A DEDICATED ambulance manager is celebrating after winning a top award.
Delighted Cathryn James was named manager of the year at the Health and Social Care awards.
A proud family and colleagues cheered her on as she received a trophy from the Government's health secretary Patricia Hewitt.
Cathryn, who works for West Yorkshire ambulance service in Huddersfield, began as a cadet in Honley in 1981.
She has risen through the ranks to become a service development manager and balances her work with a busy home life as mum to two young children.
Cathryn said: "I am absolutely delighted to win this award. I was thrilled when I won the northern final and had been nervously awaiting the big day in London.
"I was up against tough competition from across the country and to win such recognition is fantastic."
At the glittering ceremony held in London, she was presented with a £15,000 cheque to be spent on developing West Yorkshire's ambulance services.
Dr Alison Walker, acting chief executive at West Yorkshire ambulance service, said: "Everyone is really proud of Cathryn and we are thrilled others recognise her dedication and hard work as we do.
"She is an inspiration and extremely dedicated to improving patient care."
