FIFTEEN firms have rallied round to stop Darwen's rotting St John Ambulance station from falling down.

The charity faced moving and losing members as no money was available to pay for repairs to the wooden building in George Street, which has been used by child and adult volunteers for training and meetings since 1964.

The situation was so critical the group needed to act ‘before the building fell down’.

Determined the station should stay in the town, members set out to attract help from businesses, and have been ‘overwhelmed by the generousity’ after materials worth thousands were given for free.

Divisional superintendant Ellie Langford said: “The work was sorely needed.

“The station desperately needed doing up. Paint was flaking off and it was rotting in places.

“It really wasn’t giving a good impression to people.

“But now it stands out so lovely, although the work isn’t quite finished yet.

“We have been amazed and astounded by the generosity of people who have given their time and the materials including wood, nails, putty, sealant and undercoat.”

One member said: “It goes to show that Darwen is still the public-spirited town it was always known as being.

“Moving might have meant us losing members because people don’t want to travel, and it’s not always easy for parents of young children who come to the badgers and cadets sessions to make it to another station.”

The companies which helped were: Bensons Timber, Gibsons Ironmongers, Crown Paints, Holdex Timber, Jas Timber, Howarth Timber, Travis Perkins, Dulux Decor Centre, Tagg Decor Centre, A1 Skips Hire Ltd, Rightway, Metex Darwen Ltd, Mobile Mini, Jacks Hardware and Bespoke Complete Services.