VOLUNTEERS are appealing for help in a bid to set up a new East Cleveland ambulance base.

A campaign has been launched to bring in £300,000 for headquarters for a local branch of St John Ambulance.

The Marske and Redcar branch started life in a wooden hut in Marske just after the Second World War.

In the 1970s it moved to a prefabricated building but now volunteers want to raise enough cash for a brand new base to improve the service and training for members.

The building will replace the existing centre which has been subject to vandal attacks.

Divisional superintendent Linda Haw said: "We have drawn up plans and hope to bring in modern technology and be able to offer things such as TV and computer link-ups.

"We want to raise our profile and attract more volunteers."

Despite limited resources, the branch provides volunteers for a whole range of events in the area.

A core group of about 20 attends any function which needs SJA help and organisers are only charged if treatment is carried out.

Mrs Haw said the branch dare not keep items such as TVs in the present HQ because the building was old and insecure.

"We have been broken into several times and the place ransacked," she said. "We have lost quite a lot of camping equipment."

The cost of making the building safe had been a drain on branch resources and volunteers had become disheartened.

The branch has had a presence on the site for more than 50 years, said Mrs Haw.

"We hope the new building will be there for at least another 50 to come," she said.

Firms and individuals are being asked to donate money, equipment or prizes for tombola or raffles. Anyone who can help should call 01642 488889.

ends