A LOCAL St John Ambulance leader has backed a vital appeal for more volunteers to step forward as the future of the service hangs in the balance.

Though Chorley is bucking the trend - its membership is on the up - Ian McKendrick, superintendent of Chorley's combined adult division, admitted that nationally the service was not in such a healthy state.

St John' Ambulance's national chief, Peter Carver, this week said he feared for its future if it continued to lose volunteers at the current rate.

Now the service has launched a vital recruitment campaign in response to the crisis.

Mr McKendrick said: "We have been losing members. There are a number of reasons. I think society is changing - I don't think it needs to change as much as it has done."

Almost entirely dependant on public donations, the service currently has 57,525 volunteers.

In 1997, the latest year for available figures, there was an eight per cent decline in adult volunteers.

Among the young, the situation is even worse - the cadets had a 14 per cent drop in the same period.

This could be a blow to thousands of sports, arts and other public events where first aid is required. And to the local community where it gives more than half a million hours of care each year.

Currently, although football clubs and other event organisers pay a small fee to the charity, the first aid is only on hand because of the 57,525 volunteers who freely give their time and expertise. Major public events are, by law, required to have first aid experts there.

At a conservative estimate, the charity says it provides first aid and care services worth more than £40 million each year.

The charity is eager to hear from those interested in offering their services - not just for first aid, but for a range of skills."

The campaign - Project 900 - will run until June 24, St John's Day.

People such as drivers and social workers, cooks and chefs, secretaries and administrative workers, telecommunications and information technology experts and shop volunteers are all needed.

Mr Carver added: "It is absolutely vital that we attract new volunteers to help in all areas of our work. The only qualification needed is a little spare time.

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