A 41-year-old section leader at Wilko High Wycombe has been made a Member of the Order of St John.

Paul Berry, from Micklefield, is the third generation member of his family to have received the accolade for his services to St John Ambulance Brigade, High Wycombe division.

Mr Berry said: “It is only recently sinking in how prestigious it really is. It felt really great knowing my father, grandfather and mother had received the same accolade before me.

“I am very proud of being the third generation member of the family to be a part of the order.

“My mum is still very made up about it. She’s a very proud mum.”

Mr Berry joined the squadron aged 10 in the juniors section, working his way up to become a cadet and then finally joining the adults.

His father, who passed away when Mr Berry was 19, and grandfather before him were both made Serving Brothers – now known as Member of the Order – and his mother was given the Serving Sister award, for their services to the brigade.

His stepfather, Tony Hudson, is a Commander of the Order.

Mr Berry, who took part in this year’s Remembrance Day parade in High Wycombe, told the Bucks Free Press he had to keep his award under wraps for four weeks until an official announcement was made, and that he was surprised when he first found out he had been given the honour.

He said: “It was a big, big surprise. You have to be nominated for the award and I still don’t know who nominated me.

“It feels really special to be a Member of the Order. It is something worth celebrating.”

Mr Berry also received an award for 25 years of service last year.