First responders in Rhayader have been nominated for two accolades in this year’s Welsh Ambulance Services Trust (WAST) awards ceremony.

Voting is now open to the public in seven categories, including Team of the Year, Inspiring Others and Great Listener.

Rhayader First Responders have been nominated for the Community First Responder award, and Martyn Price, of Rhayader St. John Ambulance Service, is one of four nominees for the Public Recognition Award.

Rhayader Town Council have extended their congratulations to the nominees and encouraged people to vote for the local nominees.

In a social media message, the council said: “Well done Rhayader First Responders on your nomination for Community First Responder of the Year. Martyn Price has also been nominated for an award.

“Show your support and vote for them.”

In a message on the Welsh Ambulance Service website about each of the nominees, it says: “Rhayader Community First Responders is an elite team of volunteers responding in rural mid-Powys.

“As a member of control staff, I see the massive amount of effort that these guys put into responding to their communities. On-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, dropping everything at a moment’s notice when the alerter sounds. Providing cover not only to the people of Rhayader, but surrounding areas as well.

“Rhayader responders can always be relied on to attend any emergency call that we give to them. I have experienced first hand the awesome work that each and every one of Rhayader’s responders do from a control point of view, and also have the pleasure of working alongside them.

“Please consider awarding Community First Responder of the year to the Rhayader Scheme as a group. Throughout the last 12 months, they have regularly been attending numerous calls a month, supporting WAST.”

In a post on the website about Martyn Price, it says: “Martyn Price and his colleagues work full time with their normal employment, yet still volunteer and keep the Welsh Ambulance Service supported 24 hours a day.

“They never moan, they are ALL so dedicated, courteous, providing treatment and empathy - they are a real credit to the voluntary service. Without them in Rhayader and the large surrounding area, the Welsh Ambulance Service would not be able to carry out the service they do.”

To see the full list of nominees please visit the Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust website by clicking here and click on each nomination category to cast your vote.