They receive more than 5,000 emergency calls every day without always being recognised for their work, but this week it was a time for our paramedics to celebrate.

Ten years ago South Central Ambulance Service was formed, providing 999 services as well as non-emergency patient transport and additional NHS 111 help.

Paramedics from across the service celebrated reaching the landmark on Saturday, cutting an ambulance cake to mark the occasion.

On July 1, 2006, the Royal Berkshire Ambulance Service, Hampshire Ambulance Service, Oxfordshire Ambulance Service and part of Two Shires Ambulance Service merged together to form what is known as the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS).

Will Hancock was appointed chief executive of SCAS at the very beginning of the company's formation and still holds that position today.

He said: “It was a real challenge as merging four organisations together meant we had four of everything when we only needed, in many cases, just one.

“Some staff have, like me, been here from day one – and in many cases longer with their service in the other organisations that merged into SCAS – and others have joined more recently.

“But thanks to the efforts of everyone, we have achieved a great deal over the last 10 years.”

Joining in the celebrations, Mr Hancock was joined by Oxfordshire pupil Toby Valevou – who will also be celebrating his tenth birthday this month – to cut the official SCAS birthday cake.