BEM recipient says St John has been large part of her life

68 years of service - and 52 years of marriage!

One of the Island recipients of the British Empire Medal says she couldn't believe it when she heard she'd received the award.

Mary Bridson was recognised in the New Year's Honours list for almost 70 years of service with St John ambulance.

She joined the Douglas Nursing Cadet division in 1950, following a family tradition.

Mary says she's always enjoyed her work with St John and it's played a large part in her life - not least because she met her husband of over 50 years, Derek, through her involvement.

Other Island recipients of awards in the New Year Honours were former First Deemster David Doyle who received a CBE for outstanding services to Manx law, Martin Benson who received a British Empire Medal for outstanding and continuing public service after over 40 years with the Rushen emergency ambulance and Stewart Clague who becomes an MBE for an outstanding contribution to the Isle of Man and the Lonan and Laxey community.