A west Wales community stalwart has been honoured for his 60 years' service as a British Red Cross volunteer.

Roy Thomas, 77, of St David's, began with the organisation as a 17-year-old in 1957, providing first aid cover at events as well as offering nursing, welfare and ambulance support.

In the six decades since, he has raised funds for the charity, worked for its hospital transfer service and as a member of the emergency response team.

Roy volunteers alongside his wife Pat Thomas, together the couple have given more a century's service to the Red Cross, and have been awarded the MBE for their services to the community.

"I joined because of the emblem. I'd always thought about the Red Cross and giving something back to the community," said Roy.

Over the years he has certainly done that, providing first aid cover to agricultural shows, horse races, festivals and concerts as well as papal and royal visits and the 2012 Olympics.

Working alongside colleagues at St John's Ambulance, Roy also ran a community first responders team for 12 years.

At a ceremony in Haverfordwest on Monday, March 13, he was presented with a badge and certificate to mark his 60 years with the Red Cross.

"Roy's 60 years' service to the British Red Cross and his local community is nothing short of remarkable," said British Red Cross director for Wales, Chris Hopkins.

"His dedication to helping people in crisis and his commitment to the values and principles of the Red Cross is a lesson to us all.

"From standing in wet and muddy fields, ensuring that people have access to first aid should they need it, to responding in emergencies, to training new generations of first aiders, Roy's influence has spread beyond his local community and right across the Red Cross family.

"We are proud to know Roy and have the opportunity to learn from his experience and dedication."

For information about volunteering with the Red Cross visit www.redcross.org.uk