Torbay Council is joining forces with the St John Ambulance Brigade to promote a series of recruitment and awareness weeks.

The events will be held at all three council enquiries 'Connections' offices in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, between January 6 and February 2004.

They will incorporate an informative exhibition and the chance for members of the public to come and talk to representatives of the brigade between 9am and 12 noon on Mondays 19, 26 and February 2.

Cllr Roger Stringer, executive member with responsibility for Connections, said: 'These exhibitions and feedback with members if ST John Ambulance will provide invaluable information on the role their volunteers play in the community.

'We are pleased to be able to offer this facility to local residents, which will raise awareness of the work of the service and give members of the public an opportunity to sign up as a volunteer is they wish.'

St John Ambulance is a voluntary organisation, which teaches first aid to their members, the general public and industry. New members are always needed to help strengthen the ranks of current volunteers, which at the moment has nearly 2,000 members across Devon.

Sheila Steels, deputy county commissioner, said: 'We are grateful to people like Torbay Council for giving us the opportunity to be at Torquay, Brixham and Paignton Connections, to reach out to all members of the community and raise awareness of the service provided by the St John Ambulance. It would fantastic if through these exhibitions we could increase the intake of new volunteers into our organisation.

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