The director of operations for St John Ambulance in the Isle of Man has been promoted in the charity’s associated order of chivalry.

Martin Blackburn is now an Officer with the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

The promotion, bestowed by the Queen, was announced, as per tradition, in the London Gazette.

The 48-year-old joined St John Ambulance’s cadets in Onchan at the age of 11 and transferred into its adult division on his 16th birthday.

He has served ever since, both as an operational first aider and a member of the training team, rising through the ranks.

Martin says he works with lovely, generous-hearted people and is humbled to have been recognised by this promotion.