A woman from Ramsey has received an honour from the Order of St John at the Government House for her dedication to service.

Lesley Kewley, an advanced skills nurse practitioner on the island, has been invested as a Member of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem.

A person can be admitted to the Order based on the contribution they have made to the work of St John Ambulance.

St John Ambulance chief officer John Gill said: ’Her clinical expertise and leadership have been greatly appreciated by the organisation for more than 20 years.’

This admission to the Order is conferred by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of achievement, the successful discharge of responsibility or of notable service.

Since coming to the island Lesley rejoined St John Ambulance, where she had previously been a member in the UK, and started up a Cadet division in Ramsey.

She was later appointed director of youth taking charge of all the young people in St John Isle of Man.

She is a leader of a small group of trainers and assessors for St John personnel training and has also stood in for the chief officer when he is off-island.

Joining Lesley at the investiture were her husband Ian, who is himself a Knight of the Order, along with her two sons who brought their families, who are members of St John Ambulance, including her four grandchildren.

Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, a Knight of the Order of St John himself, invested Lesley on the day.

The island’s Knight Commander Steve Seiling also took part in the proceedings.