THE High Sheriff of North Yorkshire officially opened Skipton's new St John Ambulance headquarters this weekend.

Members of St John Ambulance, Skipton and Settle division, who have had to train to save people's lives in a cold, draughty, run down building for many years, finally have the headquarters they deserve.

The division, which provides first aid cover at many shows and events throughout the district, took over premises on Shortbank Road in the 1930s but slowly the building has deteriorated until the rooms no longer met health and safety requirements.

Now the unit has a new, purpose built hall with large training room and balcony looking over it, meeting rooms, disabled toilets, kitchen, storage rooms, offices and garage for the ambulance.

At the opening ceremony Arthur Cookson was invested at a serving brother of the order of St John of Jerusalem, an order of chivalry still committed to its aims established over 900 years ago. He was given the award for training members of the public in first aid and founding the Skipton and Settle division.