Canon Dr Stephen James and Canon Mark Soady, from the Diocese of Monmouth, were admitted to the Venerable Order of St John at a special ceremony in Llandaff Cathedral on Saturday.

Dr James, currently Director of Education for the Diocese, was honoured for his work as Chaplain to St John's Ambulance Brigades in Gwent, and Canon Soady, who is Vicar of St Mary's Priory Church in Abergavenny, was honoured for his work as Chaplain to St John's Council in Gwent.

Dr James and Canon Soady are pictured with Miss Rebecca Smith, from Ebbw Vale, who at the age of 29 has been honoured with a long service medal. Miss Smith has been active with her local Brigade since the age of eight.