TRIBUTE has been paid to volunteers who support the region’s ambulance service.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust says 1,000-plus unpaid workers are providing “vital help” across the area.

They include community first responders, Patient Transport Service drivers and members of the Critical Friends Network.

Trust chief executive Rod Barnes praised the team as the organisation was awarded the Investing in Volunteers UK quality standard.

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this important accreditation – all our volunteers are a valuable and crucial part of our team and this standard is a way of recognising that and ensuring we maintain the highest standards for them in the future," he said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for their time and dedication to the trust and to the people of Yorkshire and the Humber.”

Investing in Volunteers covers all aspects of voluntary involvement. Assessors spoke to more than 70 volunteers, plus management and staff.