ST JOHN Ambulance volunteers, who were left dismayed after having vehicles either destroyed by fire or stolen, are set to finally get a replacement.

A new four by four vehicle is set to be bought by volunteers of the first aid charity's Marlow branch, to their delight.

The boost has been delivered thanks to £7,000 from The Marlow Round Table - its largest ever single donation.

In 2009 thieves stole a caravan used by St John helpers, along with medical equipment worth thousands of pounds.

Then, a year later a replacement caravan leant to the organisation was destroyed by a blaze in an apparent arson.

But the vehicle woes can be put behind them after the cash injection.

St John Ambulance estimates each year up to 150,000 die in situations where first aid may have saved them.

A new four wheel drive multi-purpose vehicle will allow them to reach casualties in snow and off road terrain.

Vincent Smith, Deputy Commander of St John Ambulance in Buckinghamshire, said it was a generous donation that was greatly appreciated.

“Our Marlow branch has suffered some set backs recently due to vandalism, fire and theft and this has really boosted their spirits,” he said.

“The work they undertake locally, providing and teaching first aid is at times the difference between lives lost and lives saved so it is vital that they have local support for them to continue."

Jeremy Bedford and Dominic Barnes, Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of The Marlow Round Table handed over the money.

Mr Barnes said: ‘We are delighted to support St John Ambulance with our largest donation in over 20 years.

“Marlow Round Table exists to support local charities and organisations who put something back into our community."

St John Ambulance expects a busy year, with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Olympics and the Paralympics.