A senior member of the Welsh Ambulance service from Powys has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

Nigel Rees, who is the head of research and innovation for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, has been awarded awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Nigel, who is from Ystradgynlais has dedicated 24 years to the service, and is credited for the trust winning two research for patient and public benefit grants.

Nigel joined the ambulance service in September 1991 as a cadet with Powys Ambulance Service, before progressing to Patient Care Services and then becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, working at various locations across South Powys.

He finally returned to his home of Ystradgynlais as a paramedic in 1993 and was Powys’s first Advanced Paramedic Practitioner.

He has since taken up role as head of research and innovation at the trust, based in Cardiff, and is also working towards his PhD.

In his role Nigel has further developed the trust’s research and development forum, created close working relationships with Swansea Clinical School and secured funding for many important research projects.

He is a regular speaker in worldwide events in ambulance research and was invited to speak at conferences in the United States and Sweden.

Andrew Challenger, from Swansea, who is head of driving for the trust was also recognised in the honours.

Chief executive Tracy Myhill added: "They are highly deserving of the award and I am delighted that their commitment has been acknowledged in such a distinguished way."

The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal was introduced in 2012.