Come and join the Evening Press "Life Savers" campaign to buy a new ambulance for the region's St John Ambulance brigade.

We have joined forces with St John Ambulance to raise £45,000 for a new Crusader ambulance to be used in York and the surrounding areas.

The new ambulance will help save lives and provide medical cover at events around the county.

David Sutton, appeal director, said: "A new ambulance would make such a difference to all our volunteers.

"Last year the brigade attended around 300 events in the county - so this new ambulance will be visible to thousands of local people and will help hundreds."

The brigade can be seen out in force at the York City games, at race meetings on Knavesmire, concerts at the Barbican and summer fairs.

Liz Page, editor of the Evening Press, said: "Thousands of our readers will have seen St John ambulances at events around the region.

"Their first-aiders are always on hand to help - now we'd like to give them a helping hand by buying a brand new ambulance which will directly benefit the people of York and surrounding areas."

The ambulance costs just over £42,000 and the extra £3,000 will pay for a state-of-the-art stretcher, an air conditioning system to help people suffering from heat exhaustion, and an automatic defibrillator.

The Crusader ambulance first came into production three years ago when it was purpose-built for the brigade to use nationally. This county's brigade currently relies on a fleet of 24 vehicles, many of which are more than 20 years old.

The appeal has been given a kick-start with a £1,000 donation from an anonymous benefactor. If you would like to join in the fundraising, and have some fun ideas to raise money, or you would like to tell your story of how St John Ambulance has helped you, email emma.harrison@ycp.co.uk or contact the Evening Press newsroom on 01904 653051 ext: 314.

Cheques for the appeal should be made payable to St John Ambulance Appeal, c/o David Sutton, St John Ambulance, Lumley Close, Thirsk Industrial Park, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3TD, or pay directly at any bank branch into account number 60382078, sort code 20-82-94, or drop them into the Evening Press, at 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

Updated: 11:14 Friday, March 01, 2002