WARRINGTON first-aiders are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the town's St. John Ambulance division.

But as members enjoyed the birthday festivities, there are worries that membership of the division is begining to slide.

There are currently about 20 members in the group but organisers are desperately looking for more willing volunteers to help boost numbers.

Divisional officer Yvonne Pearson said: "We're finding it hard to recruit new people because nowadays everyone is less willing to commit themselves.

"But it's very reassuring on a personal level to know that if you face an emergency you will know what to do and you can cope with a very difficult situation."

The brigade's commissioner-in-chief, Peter Carver, was on hand to present a centenary certificate to the Warrington division at a special ceremony.

The Warrington branch - the third oldest in Cheshire - was set up in 1897 when a men's division was created. This was followed in 1913 by a ladies' section.

The branch meets on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at its current headquarters in Wilson Patten Street. It is due to move to a new HQ at Warrington Hospital in May.

Anyone who would like to join the division should contact Yvonne Pearson on Warrington 634240.

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