Library volunteers are awarded

Volunteers who wheel library books around hospital wards for patients to borrow are to be honoured with an award to mark their years of service.

St John Ambulance, the charity which runs the library service scheme, is giving 54 people in Devon its new Commander's Commendation Award.

They volunteer at hospitals across the county and between them have amassed 324 years of service.

They will be presented with the award at a ceremony next Wednesday.

[We're] not giving hands-on first aid but giving comfort, a bit of a chat and a laugh to the patients Joy Jelfs, St John volunteer

The organisation said the volunteers did not just provide books for the patients but "conversation and comfort" as well.

One of the longest-serving volunteers is Dorothy Davies, who has been helping at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital for 28 years.

She said: "One of my previous jobs was as a college librarian and I love talking to people even if they don't want a book at that time.

"I joined just after the death of my husband as a way of getting myself out to meet people, and have really thoroughly enjoyed my work here."

Joy Jelfs, senior volunteer at Exmouth hospital, used to be a nurse and St John Cadet:

"I think my most unusual St John first aid patient was a horse.

"It had fallen at Bicton Arena when I was on duty and it was going to be an hour before a vet could attend. So I comforted it and administered first aid.

"The library service is an extension of this caring. Not giving hands-on first aid but giving comfort, a bit of a chat and a laugh to the patients."

Ken Griffiths, who manages the library service for St John, said: "We are very proud of all our volunteers and their lengthy service, and always welcome new ones."