THE Malvern division of St John Ambulance is celebrating raising more than £1,000 at the end of a year when its finances were decimated by foot and mouth.

The cash, used to buy essential equipment such as bandages, was donated during collections outside Waitrose on November 30 and December 1.

The source has proved vital after nearly all last year's shows at the Three Counties Showground, where the division collects most of its income, were cancelled due to the epidemic.

"We would like say thanks to people who dug deep into their pockets before Christmas," said Divisional Supt Lorraine Odell.

The Malvern division, which depends entirely on donations and receives no financial help from its central body, is now facing the daunting prospect of raising funds to replace its ambulances. At present it has two, one equipped for use off-road.

The charity's central body has decided its entire fleet should be up-graded to meet new safety standards agreed by European nations during the 1990s.

However, the Malvern division will not have to find the £60,000 per vehicle to buy new ones, as it will continue with its policy of buying second-hand stock from the National Health Service.