A Surbiton paramedic has been presented with an award by the Queen for his long service.

Prof Andy Newton received the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal at a ceremony at Windsor Castle on December 5.

Prof Newton is director of clinical operations for South-east Coast Ambulance and has worked for the service for more than 30 years.

He said: “I feel both extremely privileged and fortunate to have been involved in the ambulance service for so many years and regard the constantly improving clinical care that can now routinely be provided to patients as the single most significant advance in the past three decades.

“With every prospect that the role of paramedics and the ambulance service will continue to expand further I look forward to being involved in future developing the role we play in improving patient care and outcomes.”

Ambulance bosses praised Prof Newton for developing new contact and treatment systems for paramedics and for helping to establish the first paramedic degree course, that is held at the University of Hertfordshire.

The service’s chief executive, Paul Sutton, said: “Andy’s dedication and commitment in treating patients and driving forward the paramedic profession over the years has been outstanding. He is an extremely deserving recipient of this prestigious medal.”