AN appeal to raise £250,000 to buy new ambulances for a charity was launched at a successful open day.

Durham County's St John Ambulance held the event at its new headquarters in St John Road, Meadowfield Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Durham City.

Members of the public were able to view the modern training facilities and equipment that St John Ambulance volunteers within the county now have. This includes an up-to-date Crusader front-line ambulance.

The Wheels for Life Appeal is aimed at providing new ambulances to replace an ageing fleet.

Patrons of the appeal are the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, Durham St John's honorary life president Lady Davina Barnard and Tyne Tees Television presenter Pam Royle.