FIRST aiders at Accrington's division of the St John's Ambulance Brigade are raising their glasses to local brewers Thwaites - who stepped in with a cash donation to save their operation from closure.

The first aid group relies on donations and money generated from training members of the public in life saving techniques.

But to carry out training, the group needed to invest in some costly equipment. And that is where Thwaites came in.

The brewery funded a TV and video recorder which the group can for training videos.

Julie Dobson, divisional superintendent of the Eagle Street-based group, said: "Donations given to us by the public are falling.

"I think it is down to people spending their extra cash on the National Lottery.

" Without Thwaites' generous offer we couldn't have raised enough money and I believe in the long run they have saved the division from closure.

"The two hour training programme costs members of the public £30, which is not a lot but vital to our survival. So the equipment will not only help us raise money but teach people how to save lives."

Thanks also went to Accrington firm Senator International - which donated £100 to buy two resuscitation dummies.

Any company or individual wishing to make a donation should ring 388452.

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