A Dereham woman who has given almost 70 years of voluntary service to St John Ambulance has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

Florence Mann, 88, of Swanton Avenue was presented with her medal by HM Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, Richard Jewson, JP, at a ceremony at Carbrooke Church.

Mrs Mann has been involved with the charity since the second world war. She joined in 1944 and remains an active volunteer with the Dereham division.

She reportedly received 25 separate nominations for the British Empire Medal.

Mrs Mann said: 'I was so shocked to learn I'd been given the British Empire Medal and at first I thought to myself 'I can't accept that' as there are people who do far more than I, but I spoke to my son who persuaded me I should accept it.

'I feel very honoured. I don't know who nominated me, but I'm extremely grateful.

'I would also like to thank the local St John Ambulance volunteers in Dereham who allow me to continue volunteering with the charity, by coming to pick me up to take me to the local meetings. It really means a lot to me.'

Ant Kitchener, district manager for St John Ambulance in Norfolk, said: 'This award is well deserved. Flo's service to St John Ambulance for nearly seven decades has meant she continues to be the difference right in the heart of her local community.

'We believe everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them and no-one should suffer for the lack of trained first aiders.

'Flo's dedication over the years has helped us move further towards that goal.'