A Romford medic who delivered 22 babies was honoured for his 27 years with the London Ambulance Service at a special ceremony.

David Roberts, who recently retired as a paramedic marked the end of an era at a special ceremony on Thursday October 18 in Westminster.

Dave joined the London Ambulance Service in 1984 and spent the majority of his career at Becontree ambulance station responding to emergency calls.

David delivered 22 babies during his time with the service, including one whose mother paid a special tribute to him.

He said: “After I delivered one woman’s baby, she asked me what my name was,”

“I said ‘Dave’, and she said, ‘Well, I’ll call my baby Dave, then!’”

In 2009, David used his medical know-how on a trip to Honduras with his church, where he helped feed and clothe children with AIDS living at an orphanage.

He joined 11 other retirees with a combined 320 service of years as they were presented with commemorative ambulance bells and certificates by Chairman Richard Hunt at the ceremony.

Acting Chief Executive Martin Flaherty said: “I am proud to honour these members of staff for the years they have spent helping the people of London in times of emergency.

“Their dedication to their duties throughout their years with the Service have ensured that Londoners continue to receive excellent medical treatment when they need it most.”