AN inquiry was promised by a charity's North of England chief as 50 volunteers resigned en masse last night.

The entire 50-strong East Cleveland Quad of St John Ambulance walked out after first pulling off their order insignia, pullovers and caps before startled VIP guests - among them Mark Evans, chairman of the North Yorkshire and Teesside branch.

Some of the cadets were in tears as they took off their uniforms following a presentation evening when two of the youngest members were awarded coveted Super Badger awards.

The mass exodus was signalled when the head of the East Cleveland division, Russ Watson, resigned.

The man proclaimed a hero by the villagers of Skinningrove for his actions during the recent floods which devastated the community had been reprimanded by a superior for being an insurance risk, after carrying sandbags to stem the flow of water.

He said: "I feel I was treated unjustifiably. My members were treated unjustly.

"There are ways this could have been resolved. They have not resolved it to our satisfaction and we feel we have no choice but to resign."

He was followed out of the door at Carlin How by his wife, Becky, then by all his cadets.

County Commissioner Christine Russell said: "It is very sad indeed; it's a very sad evening. It's a very good division."

Mr Evans said: "I am naturally shocked that this could have happened. I am very proud of Russ's actions during the floods at Skinningrove and this is very unfortunate.

"We obviously must have an inquiry into what happened and get this good division back on the road."

Parents too were annoyed. Mother, Heather Gallacher, said: "I am really angry. Russ has done a good job. Most of the kids are upset that they won't be coming here anymore."

Her partner, ex-coastguard Terry Clarke, said: "It doesn't matter what rules and regulations there are. If somebody is drowning I would be one of the first there. He (Russ) has been trained to save lives and help people who are in danger and that is precisely what he did.'