A long standing member of St John Ambulance in Penryn and Helston has had her work recognised with acceptance into a royal order of chivalry.

Alison Williams, who is a Member of the British Empire (MBE) and Penryn Saracen Award winner, was made a member of the Order of St John, and presented with a |serving sister award at a ceremony in the Priory Church of St John, Clerkenwell in London.

Alison, a teaching assistant at Penryn Primary Academy, has been a member of St John Ambulance for 35 years, working her way up the ranks and is a unit manager with Penryn Badgers, and a member of the charity’s adult division in Helston. 

Alison, who was accompanied on her trip by partner Brian Kempthorne, said: “I felt honoured to receive this award. And I felt proud to represent Cornwall. It was a |lovely service and it was nice to meet other people from other units. In all there were 73 people receiving awards.

“After the investiture there were light refreshments, and a chance to talk to other recipients. We also looked around the |museum which was very interesting.”

She added: “After the investiture Brian and myself went to Downing Street to have our photo taken outside Number 10. 

“I would like to thank MP Sarah Newton and James Mustoe for arranging this for us, as this really added the finishing touch to a most memorable day.”