IN recognition of devoted service, The Bishop of St. David's, the Right Rev. J. Wyn Evans has appointed Rev. Illtyd Protheroe, Vicar of Llanllwch, Llangain and Llangynog and chaplain to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to be an Honorary Canon of St. David's Cathedral.

The Bishop bestowed this honour on Canon Illtyd in recognition of his hard work and dedication as chaplain to the fire and rescue service, Carmarthenshire Mental Health Services and for his proactive youth work.

Rev. Canon Protheroe was installed at St. David's Cathedral on Thursday.

He said: "I gratefully accept the title of the Honorary Canon, which I have been granted. It is a great honour for myself, my parish, the fire service and the mental health services that I support.

"The success of any chaplaincy work is for people to get to know you and that only comes about by being alongside them. Within Mid and West Wales FRS, there are some of the most wonderful men and women you could wish to meet and it is a pleasure to work with them."

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Davies who was in attendance at the service said: "Rev Canon Illtyd Protheroe has been working with our fire service since 2003 and during that time he has offered support to serving firefighters and families at operational incidents, offered pastoral care and advice to employees and is a well-liked and respected figure amongst the service.

"I would like to congratulate him on this prestigious honour which recognises the work of the chaplain as an unpaid volunteer who devotes selfless service to the fire and rescue service."

A local parish service of celebration was held at St. Mary' Church, Llanllwch, on Sunday, followed by a 'bring and share' lunch in the church hall. All monies received from the church collection will be donated to the firefighters charity.