A SERVICE of dedication was held on Saturday for the latest addition to Melksham's St John Ambulance.

The Melksham division has bought a brand new Crusader ambulance costing £54,000.

Money for the vehicle has been raised through fundraising events held across the county as well as by volunteers from the Melksham division themselves.

The new vehicle is part of the Wiltshire St John Ambulance's 10-year ambulance replacement programme.

Andrew Freestone, divisional superintendent for Melksham, said: "Our old ambulance is on its last legs. The new Crusader will be a real boost to the division.

"It is fitted out with all the latest equipment and will soon be seen out and about on public duties."

Commander Colonel Robert Rowe also took part in the ceremony.

Last year Melksham division covered 84 public duties with volunteers providing 5,961 hours of First Aid cover.

Mr Freestone added: "All our volunteers are to be thanked for the services they provide to the Melksham community."

The Rev David Coulter, chaplain of St John Ambulance Wiltshire at the United Reformed Church in Melksham at 2.30pm on Saturday, led the service of dedication for the ambulance.

The new ambulance is the first in the county to use St John Ambulance's new corporate identity and the first duty on which it was seen was at the modern pentathlon at Bath University on Sunday.