Life saver: The BBC has praised Ashraf for helping injury victims and inspiring young people to join St John Ambulance

A volunteer medic who has given more than 5,000 hours to help injury victims scooped a BBC award last night.

St John Ambulance worker Ahraf Uddin, 35, has volunteered for the charity for 13 years, rescued spinal injury victims at the annual London Triathlon and teaches first-aid to primary schoolchildren.

The design and technology teacher at Warren School in Whalebone Lane North, Chadwell Heath, won a “local hero” gong at the BBC1 999 Awards.

The dad-of-two, of Chelmsford, Essex, said: “I use the life-saving skills I’ve gained through St John Ambulance to teach young people because I want everyone to have the chance to help others. Learning just a few skills can mean the difference between life and death.”

A BBC spokesman said: “Ashraf Uddin of the St John Ambulance has helped to save countless lives during his 13 years’ work with the charity, spending more than 5,000 hours as a stand-in volunteer first aider.

“He has also worked tirelessly within the community as well as helping to spread first-aid skills amongst the young generation encouraging them to volunteer for the St John Ambulance organisation.”