More than 50 people responded to the rallying cry of a leading first aid charity to help support its increasing number of services.

St John Ambulance held an open day on Sunday, at its Keighley headquarters, in Russell Street, to attract potential new volunteers. Volunteer Tim Ward, who organised the event with Joanne Edwards, was thrilled with the turnout.

He said: "Hopefully, from those who came, we will get some new members, but even one new member will be a bonus.

"We need the extra members, not because of a decline in interest, but because the demand for our services has increased." He added that the range of their duties had become extremely varied.

Football and rugby matches were still high among the brigade's duties, but charities were now using the service more and more. And the brigade was becoming more involved with supporting full-time ambulance crews, including patient transport services.

Mr Ward said: "The rise in popularity of such events as bungee jumping has added to our schedule.

"And later this year we are due to attend a human table football tournament -- who knows what that will involve?"

Visitors were shown demonstrations, displays and a tour of the ambulances and building. Volunteers also gave talks on the service and life saving.

Among the guests was Keighley Mayor Cllr Martin Leathley, who was given a first-hand demonstration of the service the brigade provides.

Two members of the branch's new Badger Set administered first aid to him.

Sophie and Hayley Cook, who are daughters of assistant county commissioner Phil Cook, gave a demonstration of the Badger Set, which is for six to ten-year-olds.