THE ambulance service in Worcestershire has faced a challenging year and performed well despite the pressures says an ambulance chief.

Anthony Marsh, chief executive of the West Midlands Ambulance Service, will praise his staff at the trust's annual meeting of the membership at the Training Academy, Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 1LQ at 6.30pm on Wednesday, September 14.

Mr Marsh said: “There is a great deal to be proud of, even though it has been an extremely challenging year.”

The event provides the board of directors the chance to provide members of the trust, staff and the public with an update on how the organisation performed in 2015-16 and an insight into what challenges we face during the current year.

Doors will open at 5.30pm with attendees able to see a number of staff, including the Hazardous Area Response Team and patient experience showcasing their work, vehicles and equipment.

The meeting itself will include presentations on the trust’s activities during the year and formally present the trust’s annual report, including the quality account and financial statements.

Mr Marsh added: “Despite the pressures our staff now work under it is to their immense credit that they continue to operate to the highest standards and give everything in order to improve the quality of care for patients.

"I would therefore like to take this opportunity to record my gratitude to them all as well as the hundreds of volunteers who help us every single day of the year."

The organisation continues to recruit paramedics.

Anyone wishing to attend should email: foundationtrust@wmas.nhs.uk by Monday, September 12 to reserve a seat, as space at the venue is limited.