THE County Durham branch of the St John Ambulance is thanking residents and businesses for backing its Wheels for Life fundraising appeal.

For the past 18 months, the charity has been aiming to raise £250,000 to replace is ageing ambulance fleet.

Due to cash donations, the service has already been able to buy two fully-equipped ambulances and is preparing to buy a third.

Alastair Cartwright, county executive officer for the organisation, said: "We are making good progress towards our target of replacing our ageing ambulance fleet.

"Indeed, I am pleased to announce in the latter part of last year, we took delivery of two new vehicles, along with the essential equipment that needs to be carried on them.

"We are now approaching the day when we will be able to order our third ambulance, which will further enhance the service we can offer to the people of the local community."

David Copland, of Darlington Building Society, which has donated £100 towards the appeal, said: "We wanted to highlight the good work they do and make other businesses aware of the appeal so they may support it too."

For more information about Wheels for Life, or the services the St John Ambulance delivers, log on to the website. www.sja.org.uk