A COUNTY Durham division of St John Ambulance has cause for a double celebration this weekend.
The Chester-le-Street branch is holding a dedication service at St Mary and St Cuthbert's Parish Church, which will also see 20 new cadets officially enrolled.
Two new ambulances will be blessed and the cadets, all aged between ten and 16, will be formally entered into the Order of St John, and receive badges and certificates.
Organiser Irene Wilson said the brigade was grateful to Chester-le-Street District council chairman Councillor Ian Wilson, who had included St John Ambulance in his charity appeals over the years.
She said: "The ambulances each cost around £7,000 and will be valuable assets to the brigade and the district as a whole.
"As well as being on duty at events and festivals, the brigade also uses the ambulances to transport people to and from hospital, and were also on standby during the recent floods to assist if evacuations became necessary."
The service takes place on Sunday at 2.30pm
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