WILKINSONS Stores have given £500 to the St John Ambulance Brigade. The Trowbridge store has also pledged to do the same in 2003 and 2004.

The Trowbridge division approached local companies earlier this year to see if they could help them with their accommodation problems.

The group is currently based in the Baptist Hall, Trowbridge, but are looking for larger premises, which would enable them to store all their equipment in one place.

Pauline Fletcher, division superintendent of Trowbridge, said: "We are extremely grateful to Wilkinson Stores for their generous donation. It will be a tremendous help to us over the next few years."

Daren Holmes, Trowbridge store manager, said: "Wilkinson believes in being at the heart of the communities in which we trade. We are very pleased to be able to contribute towards the terrific work of St John Ambulance."