A NEW state-of-the-art ambulance donated to Haslemere St John Ambulance has been officially commissioned.

Lord Slynn of Hadley, St John Prior of England and the Islands, formerly accepted the new Crusader 900 ambulance and officially opened the Haslemere division new headquarters building, in a special ceremonyon Saturday.

More than 70 people, including St John Ambulance officials, fundraisers and local dignitaries turned joined in the event.

Among the guests were the president of Haslemere St John Ambulance Col Nicholas Davies, former president of the branch Dr Anne Hunter, Haslemere cadet superintendent Edith Kinghorn, St John officer in charge of adults Carole Spickett, Waverley's mayor Michael Goodridge, Tricia Hill, representing the Haslemere mayor, many long -standing supporters of St John Ambulance together and adult and cadet members of Haslemere branch.

Following the unveiling by Lord Slynn, who was accompanied by his wife, the new ambulance and the headquarters building were blessed by the Rector of Haslemere, Rev Norman Jones, and Haslemere's new Roman Catholic priest, Father Chris Benyan.

The official handing over of the £30,000 ambulance, for which the local branch is still in the process of raising funds, is multi-functional.

It is fully equipped as a front-line ambulance or for use as a minibus suitable for community use.

The £100,000 headquarters, handed over to the branch last December, came after years of fundraising and a National Lottery grant of £65,000. It replaced a dilapidated first world war Army hut which had been used as its headquarters since the 1960s.

The building is also a venue for courses and meetings for other groups and is available for hire.

"It was a fantastic occasion," said Mrs Kinghorn.

"I would like to thank all of Haslemere for making the whole thing happen, from those who organised various events to those who stood with their collecting cans in the town."

Mrs Kinghorn thanked the the Lythe Hill Hotel who helped arrange Saturday's event and the many other organisers.

Anyone wishing to swell the ranks of St John Ambulance in Haslemere either in uniformed or non-uniformed roles can do so by contacting Mrs Kinghorn on 01428 643041.

There are also limited places for cadets.