Dr Yvonne Owens, 46, is a GP at the Wolds Practice in Tetford and the clinical director of the Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service (LIVES), a Horncastle-based charity she has volunteered at for more than 20 years.

After being handed an engraved lapel pen and a citation by High Sherriff Lady Sarah McCorquodale at a ceremony in Lincoln, she said: "I was really quite overwhelmed. This is the first time I have been awarded for my work as an individual."

Dr Owens was nominated by LIVES chairman Dr Alan Sagar who described her as having a 'selfless dedication'.

He said: "Despite being a busy GP, she gives a great deal of her spare time to help save the lives of people involved in road traffic accidents and other medical emergencies in central Lincolnshire.

"She has saved countless lives, often in extremely difficult conditions, and as a volunteer who could easily choose to spend her spare time with her family or at leisure."

* LIVES is currently recruiting first responders. For information call Stephen Hyde on 01507 525999.