Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is set to grant Freedom of the Borough to St John Ambulance (NI). The conferment is expected to take place at Mossley Mill in Newtownabbey to mark the charity's 150th anniversary in 2027.

The motion was proposed by Mayor Councillor Henry Cushinan and Deputy Mayor Councillor Alison Bennington, and seconded by the council's group party leaders.

A notice of motion presented at a full council meeting stated that the council recognises the significant and longstanding contribution of St John Ambulance (NI) to communities across Northern Ireland. It noted the charity's invaluable service in providing voluntary ambulance and first aid support at major public, community and civic events.

The motion also highlighted that many events throughout the borough and across Northern Ireland could not take place without the medical assistance and voluntary service provided by St John Ambulance.

Councillors spoke in support of the honour. Macedon Alliance Councillor Billy Webb said it would be an acknowledgement of the incredible volunteers, cadets and officers who have been involved in many events locally. He praised their selflessness during the Covid pandemic, when they spent thousands of hours on the frontline driving patients and distributing PPE at personal risk, caring for the sick in the borough.

Macedon Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Foster described the dedication of St John Ambulance as the very definition of selfless public service.

Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch said St John Ambulance has been a familiar and trusted presence in the community for generations, and that volunteers are often there in the background giving people reassurance and stepping in when help is needed.

Airport DUP Alderman Matthew Magill said St John Ambulance embodies the true spirit of volunteering, and that very few events could go ahead without the immense work that St John Ambulance does.

The Freedom of the Borough is an honorary title granted by councils to individuals or organisations in recognition of notable service to the community.