DAVID Paul Thomas, of Newcastle Emlyn, was presented with the British Empire Medal by Sara Edwards, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, during a ceremony at Ceredigion County Council’s Penmorfa offices.

The BEM was awarded in recognition of his outstanding work in the founding of a baby and child rescue centre – Ty Cariad Africa – in Uganda.

Since his retirement from the fire service, Paul is the chaplain to the South Wales Fire Service.

Pictured, from left, are: Firefighter David Vaatstra, chief fire officer Huw Jakeway, David Paul Thomas BEM, Sara Edwards, cadet Sion Jones and watch manager (Ret) Chris Rees-Veal.