A Keighley St John Ambulance stalwart is to receive a coveted award honouring his service with the movement.

Bob Kelly, who has been a volunteer with the organisation for about 18 years, is to be invested as a member of the Order of St John.

He will be presented with the insignia at a special ceremony in the Grand Priory Church, London, next week.

Mr Kelly, 50, of Damems Lane, Keighley, is among around 100 people of all nationalities being recognised for their contribution to St John Ambulance.

He said: "When I got a letter saying I had been nominated and accepted for the award, I was quite shocked but excited.

"You do the job because you enjoy it and you don't expect this sort of recognition, but it is a great honour for me and I am very proud indeed."

Over the years, Mr Kelly has worked his way up the St John Ambulance ranks and is now operations officer for Bradford and Calderdale.

In a professional role, he teaches in the resuscitation department at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

* The Order of St John was founded in the 11th century. The British Order of St John comprises two foundations -- St John Ambulance and the St John Eye Hospital, in Jerusalem.