A FORMER Ambulance officer who worked for 33 years in the service in Herefordshire has died, at the age of 73.

Harold Reece, of Walnut Tree Avenue, Hereford, retired from Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service in 1997.

He started his service in Hereford but moved to Ross-on-Wye as a station officer in 1987.

During his stay in the town he played a role in the success of the annual carnival and helped ensure the ambulance service float was in the prize list.

Mr Reece returned to Hereford in 1995 to be station officer at the Grafton station.

Among his interests was a love of classic and vintage cars, helping to organise shows and car runs to raise money for charity.

His funeral takes place at Hereford Crematorium today at 2pm followed by a thanksgiving service at St Martin's Church at 2.45pm.