Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, wants to see the creation of a Queen's Ambulance Service Medal.

In a Westminster debate celebrating public services, the Lib-Dem Cabinet Office spokesman called on the Government to recognise the work of the ambulance service.

Such awards already exist to recognise exceptional courage and distinguished service in the fire and police services. Ambulancemen and women are often the first on the scene of an emergency and are responsible for equal acts of valour.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Oaten said: "We should reward people who work in public services. Currently, there is a Queen's police medal and a Queen's fire service medal. That leaves a big gap.

"The work carried out by the ambulance service is phenomenal. It is often the first service on the scene, and is involved in horrendously difficult situations such as air and rail accidents.

"The people who work in that service put themselves into difficult situations with great bravery. It's time they had a medal," said Mr Oaten who claims the support of the Red Cross, the fire service and the police.