AFTER more than a century of offering emergency treatment to people in need, the Leyland division of the St John Ambulance is facing closure.

Members of the Leyland Quad Division, based in Leyland Lane, could fold by the end of October unless new premises can be found.

The division celebrates its centenary later this year with a celebration dinner and buffet at the club, on the corner of Cowling Lane, Leyland, on September 22.

Now the ten-member group are appealing to the people of Leyland and surrounding areas to help find the group new premises.

Member Louise Newton, of Mill Lane, Leyland, said the club's lease on the premises had come to an end with renewal costs too expensive.

She said: "The lease was for five years and we cannot afford it after that. Moving wouldn't be a problem, but we can't find anywhere to move to.

"It is sad for Leyland, but if we don't find other premises, short of meeting in members' houses, the Leyland Quad Division will have to disband."

All members of the voluntary organisation train to the same standards as the Lancashire Ambulance Service and are a familiar presence across the area, attending country fairs and concerts for a small fee.

Mrs Newton said: "If it wasn't for the St John Ambulance a lot of these events might not happen. We are a non-profit-making organisation and any money we get from our duties goes straight into training and equipment.

"We use gas cylinders and stretchers, so we are looking for a new building with plenty of storage space. A lot of divisions use church halls."

A spokesman for the Lancashire St John Ambulance Service, in Garstang Road, said: "The Leyland members are very, very committed. What they lack in numbers they make up for in commitment. There is a possibility that they will have to share premises with Chorley, which would mean travelling for them, so we would like to find new premises as soon as possible."

Any ex-members interested in the centenary celebrations or members of the public with suggestions for new premises should call Louise on 424321.