St John Ambulance stalwart Mary Bridson has been presented with a British Empire Medal.

Mrs Bridson was named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in recognition of her many years of outstanding service to St John Ambulance in the island.

The presentation took place at Government House on Tuesday in front of family and St John Ambulance members.

Mrs Bridson, of Port-e-Chee Avenue, Douglas, joined the Douglas Nursing Cadet Division in 1950 and went on to take charge of the division in 1965.

She was admitted as a Serving Sister in the Order of St John in 1970 and rose through the ranks to become Commander in 1999.

After 68 years of service, she is still involved on a daily basis as the personnel officer.

She met her husband Derek through St John Ambulance.