A university student from south Bucks has been named volunteer of the year at the St John Ambulance (SJA) Everyday Heroes awards, hosted by singer Myleene Klass.

Hero Luke Tester, 22, from Seer Green was awarded the accolade for his many roles within the charity, from providing first aid cover at events as a cycle responder or emergency medical technician, to responding to 999 calls as a community first responder, and leading fundraising and awareness drives.

The former Dr Challoner’s Grammar School pupil, who started his fourth year of studies at the University of Exeter Medical School in Devon this year, said: “There are so many incredible volunteers within St John Ambulance.

“To have been nominated by them and voted as winner by my fellow volunteers is a real privilege – I was stunned when my name was read out.”

Luke started working with St John’s as a volunteer in Beaconsfield and was among 11 winners on the night, supported by a table full of his friends and family, including his parents and grandparents, at the glittering ceremony.

He added: “I’m passionate about SJA and have been incredibly fortunate to work with a huge number of people across all areas of the charity, from delivering CPR one day to teaching it the next, and fundraising for defibrillators the day after that.

“I could not be in this position without them, so I would like to thank everyone that I’ve worked alongside over the last few years, and to those who nominated me for this fantastic award.”

Mum Karen said: “We were very hopeful that he might win, because he is so passionate about St John Ambulance.

“We were absolutely thrilled to bits when he won, and so very proud of him.”

HRH The Countess of Wessex also attended the event, with a special affiliation to the charity as Grand President of parent organisation Order of St John.

St John Ambulance’s CEO, Sue Killen said: “It’s right that we take the time to recognise these truly remarkable people on a national stage as their stories really show the difference first aid can make.

“They are an inspiration and should all be incredibly proud of their achievements.”

For more information about the charity’s work, go to www.sja.org.uk.