TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a long-standing Dawlish volunteer.

Bernard Tippins died at his home in Holcombe at the age of 79.

He was a celebrated paramedic who was known for his dedication to Dawlish through his work with St Johns Ambulance, the Salvation Army and scouting.

Born in Dawlish in 1946, he lived in the town all his life and became a recognisable figure in the community.

Having been a member of the local St John Ambulance Brigade from the age of 10, he was a committed member who, as a volunteer back in the 1960s, was a vital part of what was then a volunteer ambulance service.

Whilst working as a plumber by day, he crewed the local ambulance at night and over the weekends.

At that time, this was the only emergency cover for the town.

In 1970 the health service offered full time employment and training for ambulance personnel. Bernard took the opportunity and was one of the first crew members to work out of Dawlish.

He took further training in 1989 and qualified as one of the first Registered Paramedics with West Country Ambulance Service, serving Dawlish as a leading ambulance man until his retirement in 2009.

First Aid was Bernard’s main passion all his life.

As the local St John Superintendent he trained brigade members and junior cadets alongside conducting regular public first aid courses.

He took the responsibility of looking after the St John building in Lawn Hill and in 2002 Bernard could be seen helping to refit a a new mobile First Aid unit for Dawlish which was then available for First Aid support for many public local events such as the annual carnival week and sporting events.

In 1996 Bernard was awarded with the Order of the Brotherhood of St. John in recognition of his voluntary work which for many years included more than 400 hours spent on duty public events, training and lecturing in first aid.

He was also involved in the scouting movement when, in 1986, he went to help along to help Dawlish Scout group with the running of the Cubs, when his youngest son joined.

He would be seen gave First Aid training to the scouts groups and after many years volunteering and after both his sons had grown up, he obtained his Warrant in 2000 and became Baloo to the Cub group.

He qualified to teach archery and shooting as well as all other scouting activities.

When the boys went on their annual camping trips and their weekend camps every year, he went along as their First Aid support.

He died in February after a long illness and is survived by his wife Sue and sons James and Wycliffe and three grandchildren.