PEOPLE in Preston and Leyland may be missing out on getting vital help from the Red Cross because they don't realise it is a local charity as well as an international one.

Volunteers in Leyland are finding that people they come across often do not realise the scope and variety of tasks and services they do.

Members of the charity say peoples' perceptions are that it deals mainly with international disasters even though in fact the Red Cross provides assistance to anyone in crisis.

Volunteer worker Elaine Crook, said: "I think it is fair to say that people see the Red Cross emblem on television during the coverage of disasters abroad, and don't recognise that we provide general first aid cover and also run courses.

"But many would not recognise us as being a local charity to assist local people by providing a variety of services."

The British Red Cross was founded in 1870 six years after the Swiss humanitarian Henri Dunant had founded the International Red Cross "for the purpose of having care given to the wounded in war time by zealous, devoted and thoroughly qualified volunteers."

The charity now has a pledge to give neutral and impartial assistance to anyone in crisis. The crisis can be something like the provision of a wheelchair at short notice or the transportation of someone to hospital to keep an appointment.

"We try to help where we can, so I would also encourage people to volunteer for the charity," added Red Cross service manager Ernest Walton. One of our main services is short-term loan of medical equipment like wheelchairs and bath aids for people who are disabled or have suffered an accident," he added.

If you would like more information about the services of the Red Cross or are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Mr Walton on 01772 709555.