THE St John Ambulance Life Savers Appeal has taken a step forward with another generous donation from York Rotarians.

The Rotary Club of York Ainsty donated £3,500 for the provision of a Falcon trolley stretcher, which will be used in the new Crusader ambulance for the York area.

The donation was in addition to the £2,600 automatic defibrillator which the club has recently provided.

Club president Alan Stow, pictured here trying out a Falcon stretcher, said that this achievement would not have been possible without the generous support which residents in the York area had given to the club during its fundraising events.

The £45,000 Evening Press-backed appeal to buy the new ambulance has already reached its half way point.

David Sutton, fundraising director for St John Ambulance, said: "We are thrilled with the continued support of the York Ainsty Rotary Club.

"The new stretcher will enable our crew to treat more patients."

Updated: 09:04 Friday, June 13, 2003