It is the end of an era for a much-loved paramedic who has retired after dedicating 30 "wonderful" years to the role in Llanidloes, Newtown and Machynlleth.

Edward Denham, also known as Eddie to colleagues, has retired from his post with the Welsh Ambulance Service which he described as an "amazing career".

His colleagues gave him the send off that he deserved by presenting a plaque on his final shift at Newtown Ambulance Station on June 8.

"It's a very privileged position," Edward said of his role on the frontline. "It's unusual and unique because you see the whole spectrum of life from the beginning to the end.

"You're in a very privileged position to be at somebody's birth and death. And you see everything in between, all aspects of life. It's quite an amazing career.

He added: "It's wonderful. I wish I was staying, in a way."

Edward said that there had been times during the past three decades that have been at its worst. One incident he described as a "surreal day" was being one of the first people at the scene after a car crashed into Llyn Clywedog.

"You can't dwell. I'm lucky that I don't dwell on things," he said.

"But there have been lots of laughs and humorous incidents along the way. It's not all blood and guts and trauma. There's lots of routine medical calls which is your bread and butter of your job. And you meet fascinating people elderly in particular with all their stories and experiences."

Sion Breese, duty operations manager for Powys, who was Edward's team leader said it was an "honour and privilege" to work with the "character of the station".

"I was in Llanidloes with Eddie for a number of years before I came here at the beginning of the year. I wanted to make sure that he had some kind of good send off. He's given 30 years and I've worked on numerous shifts with Eddie.

"It has been an honour and a privilege.

"He's the character of the station in Llanidloes. He will be missed."