THE British Red Cross was formed in 1870, but it wasn't until almost a hundred years later that Blackburn formed its own centre.

This was in 1964 - and 25 years later, to mark its silver jubilee, members rode on a decorated float in the 1989 Blackburn Lions carnival parade.

The tableau demonstrated the changes that had taken place in two and half decades, differences in the uniform, equipment and services, with Blackburn's Red Cross volunteers taking part in then and now scenes.

The British Red Cross has been at the forefront of humanitarian aid throughout its existence and paid a major part in the Great War, joining forces with the Order of St John Ambulance.

They pooled resources and formed Voluntary Aid Detachments, normally known as VADs, with members trained in first aid, nursing, cookery, hygiene and sanitation.

These detachments all worked under the protection of the Red Cross, in hospitals, rest stations, work parties and supply centres.

The joint organisation also provided assistance at the front line, supplying the first motorised ambulances to the battlefields and set up centres for recording the wounded and missing, after searching hospitals and towns and villages where there had been fighting.