WILTSHIRE'S oldest St John Ambulance member has been presented with an award for his impressive 64 years' service.

Since joining the organis ation in 1939, Eric Fisher (83) has been on duty at the Queen's coronation, Winston Churchill's funeral and hundreds of football matches, theatre performances and events.

His dedication to helping others has earned him a long-service certificate, which was presented by the commander of Wiltshire St John Ambulance, Lieutenant Colonel John Jago, OBE.

"I was really surprised and pleased to get a certificate for my long service," said Mr Fisher.

"I have enjoyed every year of it."

Mr Fisher, of Woodfalls, spent 50 years caring for the public, before retiring from active service and becoming an Office Brother and member of the Fellowship.

"I thought I was going to relax a bit, but then they asked me to run the cadet scheme for all the youngsters," he said.

"They do map reading, healthy eating and outdoor activities, as well as first aid - it helps to keep me young.

"There have been a lot of changes over the years - techniques change all the time as they do more research and have new technology.

"But the idea behind St John Ambulance has remained the same."

As one of the country's longest-serving members, Mr Fisher has helped thousands of people, in addition to fundraising, increasing awareness of the charity and supporting other volunteers.

"The best thing is the comradeship - we are like one big family," he said.

"I always think that, if you help someone and make their life better, it gives you inner pleasure.

"I get great satisfaction from being part of the team and I intend to keep going as long as I can."

Lt Col Jago paid tribute to Mr Fisher's hard work during the presentation.

"This is an outstanding achievement," he said.

"Mr Fisher is living evidence of the St John Ambulance motto - 'In the Service of Mankind'."