ST John Ambulance, which has several divisions across Bolton, is suffering from a volunteer "famine".

Now, it is set to launch a major recruitment drive targeted at adults and young people.

There are 2,000 St John Ambulance volunteers in the Greater Manchester region, and more than half - 1,200 - are youngsters.

The 800 adults take responsibility for safety and first aid cover at some of the region's most prestigious occasions.

Cover

Full cover is provided at every game held at the Reebok Stadium, there are 55 staff covering Manchester United games at Old Trafford and around 30 at Manchester City home games.

Volunteers also staff community events, including the annual Christmas shopping trip for the disabled at Asda's Astley Bridge store.

Ian Moss, county manager of St John Ambulance, said: "It's not simply a question of recruiting youngsters, it's adults too who are needed."

Full training is given and, according to the charity's own conservative estimates, its first aid and care services are worth more than £40 million a year at commercial staff rates.

The St John Ambulance has opened a recruitment line on 0870 1290 900.

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