THE members of a group of lifesavers have all been awarded a prestigious medal in recognition of 30 years' vital service.
Freewheelers - also known as Blood Bikes - work across Somerset, as well as Bristol, Bath and West Wiltshire.
An increase in volunteers during the pandemic has allowed the bikers to deliver vital blood supplies, medicines, Covid samples and PPE 24/7.
Members were presented with the Blood Bike Emergency Voluntary Service Medal by Bristol Lord-Lieutenant Peaches Golding.
Freewheelers chairman Mel Rowbottom said: "Because we support all the emergency services, and in recognition of the Queen's upcoming platinum jubilee, they agreed we could have a dedicated blood bike service medal equivalent created.
"We're the first blood bike group in the country to have been awarded the medal, so there is a sense of pride with it and knowing all the good that the volunteers have put back into the community."
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