BUILDINGS and landmarks across County Durham will be lit up green in support of St John Ambulance tonight.

June 24 is St John’s Day and the Durham County Council is lighting up County Hall to show its appreciation for the healthcare and first aid charity.

The work of the charity and its volunteers is also being highlighted through a new campaign, ‘Ask Me’, which focuses on many stories that tell of the lives saved and changed by first aid and St John.

Cllr Paul Sexton, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for adults and health services, said: “St John Ambulance is a remarkable charity and we are proud to light up County Hall green on Thursday in recognition of the life saving work it does within our communities.

“The coronavirus pandemic has really highlighted the contribution St John’s volunteers make and we are so grateful for everything they do here in County Durham.”

On Friday, Cllr Sexton met with Liz Srogi, St John Priory Group Durham chairwoman, St John unit manager Sheila Thorpe and Cadet Arran Doogan as part of a tour being undertaken to unveil the ‘Ask Me’ campaign.

Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “It will be wonderful to see so many buildings lit up and we’re grateful to the owners and custodians who agreed for this to happen. We hope many people will be prompted to ask us how our work has had a positive impact on the lives of others.”

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