TORFAEN MP Paul Murphy is supporting St John Wales' plea for its volunteers to be eligible for the Queen's Jubilee Diamond Medal.

Emergency service personnel, prison service employees and members of the Armed Forces are among those who will receive the medal marking the monarch's 60 years on the throne in 2012.

But St John Wales volunteers, who provide first aid cover at thousands of events and save countless lives each year, have been excluded from receiving the award.

Griffithstown youth leader, Emma Bailey, who volunteers with St John Ambulance, said: "I think it would be a great shame for St John volunteers to be excluded. It provides a much needed service at events, such as football matches, and it seems unfair if all other emergency services get a medal.

"We don't go into voluntary work to get rewards but it would be nice to get recognition."

So far, 16 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion supporting the charity's plea for its thousands of volunteers to be eligible for the medal.

Torfaen MP, Paul Murphy, said: "I'm fully supportive of the efforts of the St. John's volunteers. The good work that they do is worthy of recognition. Without them giving up their time voluntarily, countless public and sporting events would be under threat.

"I have written in support of their case and have agreed to sign the EDM in the name of my colleague Jessica Morden MP, and hope that the Government listens."

The Diamond Jubilee Medal resembles a 10p piece and bears the dates 1952-2012. The medals will cost £7m to produce and it's anticipated around 450,000 medals will be issued to public servants during the first half of 2012.

Living holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross as well as members of the royal household will also be eligible for the award, as are police community support officers who have completed five full calendar years of service.