PENARTH resident and South Wales police and crime commissioner Alun Michael has been honoured by a leading health care charity.

Hundreds of people from all over Wales gathered at Llandaff Cathedral on Saturday to honour volunteers from across Wales for their services to the community through St John Cymru – Wales.

The annual service recognises long serving St John members and outstanding achievements from volunteers and members of the public.

The former secretary of state for Wales Mr Michael was invested with admission as officer on behalf of The Queen.

The Prior for Wales for St. John, Dan Clayton-Jones, OBE, conducted an investiture in the presence of the Prior of the Priory in the USA, Palmer C Hamilton, KStJ.

Mr Michael, former Secretary of State for Wales and a former First Minister of Wales has been of great help to the order,a St John Cymru spokeswoman said.

"In the role of Police and Crime Commissioner, to which he was appointed in 2012, he has been very supportive to St John Cymru and was involved in the establishment of the Swansea help point," she added.

Mathew James, who was shot three times while protecting his partner during the Tunisian terror attack in 2015, was also honoured with the St John Life Saving Medal.

A sermon was conducted by the Archbishop of Wales and Sub Prelate of the Order of St John, The Most Revd. Dr Barry Morgan.

St John Cymru Wales is the leading first aid charity in Wales which aims to have a first aider in every home.

They teach people lifesaving first aid skills in schools, communities and the workplace.

They have over 4,000 volunteers across Wales providing medical cover at events, first aid supplies and supporting local ambulance services.