VOLUNTEER staff from St John Ambulance are struggling to meet their obligations as the busy summer event season gets into full swing.

Leaders say there has been a noticeable increase in demand for their services this year.

Their resources, which include modern Crusader ambulances, are being stretched to the limit as volunteers attend up to three major events a week across the county.

Only last week, workers attended the three-day Great Yorkshire Show, as well as two York race days, and the two-day British Touring Car Championships at the Croft Racing Circuit.

Steve Burke, operations commissioner for North Yorkshire and Teesside, said staff might be called upon to assist up to 100 people a day at events like the Great Yorkshire Show.

He said: "All these people are highly qualified and they are doing it in their own time.

"We help people with everything from a splinter to breathing difficulties.

"The organisation is short of volunteers, and we would like to hear from people who are willing to train in first aid and help their local community."

In March, the Evening Press launched a Life Savers campaign to raise £42,000 to buy a Crusader ambulance for use in and around York.

The vehicle, which is specially designed to meet the needs of St John Ambulance, can be used as an emergency vehicle, to transport patients or medical unit.

Mr Burke said: "Events such as the Great Yorkshire Show highlight why we need machines such as the Crusader - it really does make a difference."

Updated: 15:08 Friday, July 19, 2002