A Newtown man has been made a Knight of Grace by St John Ambulance Cymru for his 47 years of volunteering to help others.

David Gardner, 60, received the service's highest honour from the Duke of Gloucester in Saint John's Church, London on Wednesday (September 8).

"I feel very honoured and humbled. It is a big honour," Mr Gardner said. "A big thank you to my wife and family for supporting me.You do give a lot but get a lot back for it but you obviously need the support of those behind you."

Mr Gardner first joined the St John's as a Cadet in 1967, where his mother, grandfather and sisters were all members, and it was also where he met his wife, Barbara. He received commendations for saving lives in 1998 and 2010.

County Times: David Gardner, 60, from Newtown received the Knight of Grace from the St John's Ambulance Service on September 8,2021. Pictures: The Gardner FamilyDavid Gardner, 60, from Newtown received the Knight of Grace from the St John's Ambulance Service on September 8,2021. Pictures: The Gardner Family

"It's about giving back to the community and help others," he said. "My sister dragged me along to Cadets one night when I was six years old. And then I became in charge of Newtown St John's and moved on to the county team and I have been county commissioner for the best part of 20 years."

Mr Gardner leads eight units in Powys from Bettws to Ystradgynlais providing first aid cover at shows and events across the county. There also around 400 members of the St John Ambulance Cymru in Powys.

"Without our presence, these events wouldn't take place," he added. "The demand on the service is getting more now that risks have changed. There's a strain on a small few and we always welcome new members."

He was admitted as a member of the most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1995. He then became an Officer in 2000, a Commander in 2006 and now the highest honour of Knight of Grace in 2021.

Mr Gardner has served the community as a First Aid Responder to the Welsh Ambulance Service since 2007. He was highly commended as volunteer of the year 2007 and was awarded the High Sheriff's Award for outstanding contribution to the community in 2011.

Find out more about volunteering with St John Ambulance Cymru by visiting www.sjacymru.org.uk