A Second World War hospital volunteer from Accrington has been posthumously recognised for his dedication, 33 years after his death.

Robert Bamber’s voluntary work was highlighted at the annual St John Ambulance Carol Service.

His family was presented with the insignia of the Order of St John at the event, 45 years after Robert was invested into the Order as a Serving Brother, an award he was unable to collect.

Robert began his voluntary career with St John Ambulance in 1931 and passed his training in first aid for air raid casualties in 1938.

He then worked in his local hospital as a volunteer during the Second World War.

Robert’s daughter Margaret, 84, was presented with the insignia by Brigadier Iain Robertson, chairman of the St John Lancashire County Priory Group at the carol service.

Margaret often spoke about his voluntary service with St John Ambulance and her daughter, Julie Lloyd-Mullen, decided to contact the charity to arrange for the medal to be presented posthumously to the family.

Margaret said: “Receiving my father’s medal at this beautiful carol service has been wonderful.

“My daughter Julie has been asking for various papers over the last few months, but I had no idea she had been planning this. It was a complete surprise.”

Julie said: “Mum has often talked about grandad’s voluntary service with St John Ambulance and the medal he never collected.

“My brother Nigel, who lived in Spain, passed away in February this year and I found grandad’s Certificate of the Order among his possessions, so I thought it was time to get it sorted out.

“I contacted St John Ambulance and when they suggested that the award be presented during the carol service it seemed perfect.”

Robert was recognised for outstanding service to the key foundations of the Order of St John, one of which is St John Ambulance, the nation’s leading first aid charity.

It is a Royal Order of Chivalry, and each recipient is approved by the Queen, its sovereign head.

Margaret’s husband, Alexander, her grandchildren, Sarah Hancock and Christopher Hodkinson, and Sarah’s partner, Christopher Riley also attended the event, held at St John the Baptist Church in Broughton.