A COUPLE who have worked as St John Ambulance volunteers for more than three-quarters of a century are to be rewarded for their hard work.

Kidderminster pensioners 81-year-old Fred Jennings and his 78-year-old wife Cathleen will be invested as members of the Order of St John at a special ceremony in London later this month. volunteers Cathleen and Fred Jennings who have been recognised for their work with St John Ambulance.

Mrs Jennings has worked for St John for the last 49 years, and her husband has put in more than 40 years' service.

They will both be admitted as officers and presented with the insignia in the historic Grand Priory Church in Clerkenwell, London.

The couple from Stourbridge Road, who have two children and have been married for 57 years, will be invested with around 100 other people of all nationalities and walks of life.

Mr Jennings, who worked for the regular ambulance service, joined St John after his wife because he looked after the children while she was working.

Mrs Jennings said it was "wonderful news" and she was thrilled to receive the prestigious award.

"I was made an ordinary member and my husband a brother some years ago and this a big honour for both of us now to be made officers," she said.

Her husband, who is a familiar face as a St John volunteer at Kidderminster Harriers matches at Aggborough, added: "It just shows that someone does take notice of what you do sometimes.

"We're still doing it and hopefully we're going back to the Harriers if we get the contract again - we just enjoy doing it."