FIRST aid volunteers who provide vital help at events across Ribble Valley are urging more people to join their number.

The St John Ambulance service has six volunteers operating from its Clitheroe base, down from a peak of 15.

The lack of personnel has sparked concerns that the service is stretched too thinly and that they are not able to provide an effective presence at events.

Recent problems with burst water pipes at their King’s Lane base have affected meetings and training sessions and there has been a marked decrease in the number of people coming forward, organisers said.

But the service, which has covered events including The Last Night of the Proms in Clitheroe, Ribble Valley 10k and a Muse gig in Manchester, is planning to launch a series of events to attract new members.

Duty officer Phil Thain said: “We are appealing for as many people to come forward as possible to start training with us.

“We need more volunteers so we can have an effective presence at events across the Ribble Valley.

“Our current staff level is not enough to do this.

“We would welcome volunteers from social and health care professionals and doctors, who would further enhance the experience of the organisation and other members.

“Training is very thorough and is developed over time, and includes not only basic first aid skills but advance skills in the use of defibrillators and medical gases.”

The service offers first aid cover at many events around the Ribble Valley including agricultural shows, bonfires and football matches.

Clitheroe town councillor Allan Knox said: “For a whole host of local events it’s very useful and important to have the service there because otherwise it would place extra strain on the NHS.

“They do great work and them being present at events allows them to go ahead.”

For more information e-mail Mr Thain via philip.thain@hotmail.com