The St John Ambulance, which provides first aid and care services worth more than £40million a year, is under threat if it does not get new volunteers.

Cadet and Badger groups, such as the one run by Kay Croxhall in St George's Church centre in Harold Hill, have experienced a 14 per cent decline in volunteers since 1997.

Havering as a whole has been hit quite badly by the volunteer drought with adult divisions in Harold Hill and cadet divisions Collier Row and Romford closing down.

Derek Smith the St John assistant borough officer for Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge said: "A lot of the problems lay with getting adults interested enough to take on leadership roles.

"Along with a drive for leaders the St John Ambulance is also looking for more cadets aged 11 to 18 and badgers aged six to 10."

Mr Smith added: "The cadets are the future of St John, if we can get them interested and keep them there then we have won the battle."

He highlighted the lack of adult divisions in Havering as a problem for older cadets.

He said: "The nearest adult division for cadets in Harold Hill is Romford or Upminster, it isn't always convenient for people to get there. If there was enough adult interest in St John in Harold Hill then we would certainly consider restarting the division there."

If the lack of volunteers continues it could be a massive blow to thousands of sports, arts and other public events where first aid is needed.

In response to the volunteer crisis St John Ambulance is launching a national recruitment campaign and is eager to hear from potential volunteers. Call the hotline number 0870 1290 900 between March 8 and June 24.

For more information on the Harold Hill Badgers and Cadets drop into the St George's Church centre in Chippenham Road between 7 and 9pm any Wednesday.

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