A GRASSINGTON woman has been honoured for her dedicated and exceptional voluntary service for St John Ambulance.

Joan Shepherd, of Raines Meadows, has been invested as a member of the Order of St John at a special ceremony held in the historic Grand Priory Church at Clerkenwell, London.

Mrs Shepherd has been a volunteer for St John Ambulance for 40 years. She has now been admitted as an officer and was presented with the Insignia by the Prior of the Order of St John, Lord Slynn of Hadley. Each award has been approved by the Queen - sovereign head of the order.

Lord Slynn said: "These men and women are being honoured at the investiture ceremony in recognition of their dedication and exceptional voluntary service in the order's charitable foundations: St John Ambulance and the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem."

Around 100 people of all nationalities and walks of life were invested, having adopted the St John motto - "In the Service of Mankind".

The Order of St John was founded in the 11th century and celebrated its 900th anniversary last year. Investitures are carried out four times a year.

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