Between them, Pat Bolger and Rose Stretton have clocked up an impressive 105 years of public service as St John Ambulance volunteers in Caterham.

And to mark their achievement, on Monday 8th February, they were presented with long service awards by the Surrey Commander Hugh Riley.

Pat joined the division in 1959 and is still an active member. Rose joined as a Cadet in 1955 and has been treasurer not once but twice and also acted as divisional officer.

"I joined when there was a recruitment drive for Cadets when I was at school," said Pat. "I went along with some friends but they gave up and I carried on as I found it very interesting. We were providing the ambulance service for Surrey at that time. Recently I have been looking after first aid cover at the Miller Centre."

"I joined as a Cadet too," said Rose, "I thought I might go into nursing but I just stayed in St John as it was then a ladies nursing division. I used to work on ambulances but I don't go out on duties any more, though I am still a first aider."

Commander Hugh Riley praised the division's inspirational leadership and dedicated members.