A vintage ambulance was one of the main attractions at a celebration of St John Ambulance volunteers and their life-saving work, on Saturday, September 13.

‘Sympathy’, a 1929 Ford Type A, joined hundreds of first aiders from all over the South West region, which includes Wiltshire, Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and the former county of Avon, at the Spirit of St John event in Wells.

Devizes volunteer and regional events manager Des Young made a trek to Kent to ensure that the classic ambulance was brought out of retirement for the event.

It provided a stark contrast to the cutting edge ambulances and first aid equipment being demonstrated in front of Wells Cathedral.

More than 1,000 members of the public were given free first aid advice as part of ‘Save a Life September’, including demonstrations of five easy-to-follow techniques that could help them be the difference between a life lost or saved.

Following a service of celebration and thanksgiving, Cathedral Green was filled with displays of the charity’s work, historical re-enactments and a performance from the SJA regional band.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, Grand Prior of the Order of St John, led the VIP guests and met many of the volunteers.