A St John Ambulance volunteer from Sheppey has been recognised in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Dean Faulkner, of Minster Road, Minster, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his voluntary service to the first aid charity for over 40 years.

The 51-year-old joined St John Ambulance as a cadet in 1974 and, after passing a cadet leadership course first time, supported his peers with training and fundraising activities. He was then made cadet leader at the age of 16.

After joining the Sheppey adult unit 10 years later, Mr Faulkner made a huge impact, recruiting new volunteers and expanding the training on offer, before rising through the ranks as divisional officer and divisional superintendent.

In 1996, he took on the role of deputy assistant commissioner in Kent, which put him in charge of around 1,500 young volunteers. He was then invested in the order of St John as a serving brother in 2007.

As well as his main volunteer role, Mr Faulkner has been a member of the Isle of Sheppey St John Ambulance band since 1976.

He was appointed Bandmaster in 2003 at a time when local interest in the band had waned, membership was low and it was in danger of folding.

He took it upon himself to recruit people to help and support him, he approached local businesses, applied for grants and motivated the band members to fundraise - of which he raised over £40,000.

With the money, Mr Faulkner was bought new instruments, uniforms and a storage area for all the kit and, within a year, the membership had doubled under his leadership.

On Sheppey today, the band is well-known and respected locally and is often called upon to perform at local community events.

Speaking about his award, Mr Faulkner said he was still in shock.

"Even to be nominated is very special, however to be awarded the British Empire Medal is truly amazing," he said.

"A massive thank you to all that support the work we do for St John Ambulance on and off the Isle of Sheppey.

"I hope our band and the members continue this journey for many more years to come."