The new vehicle will work closely with the Westcountry Ambulance Service

The St John Ambulance Brigade's existing vehicle in Launceston is to be replaced to bring it up to new EU standards.

About �45,000 needs to be raised for the new vehicle and the equipment it will carry, and it is hoped much of that will come from a fun day that is being organised to be held in August.

After the new vehicle is bought, the old ambulance will then be donated to a local charity and shipped to a developing country.

The new vehicle and its volunteer crew will work closely with the Westcountry Ambulance Service and help with providing medical assistance and cover for public events and civic emergencies.

A spokesperson for St John Ambulance said: "The new ambulance will enable us to serve our community better, providing a modern up-to-date quality service and giving our patients a very comfortable journey."

The organisation says its mission is to provide first aid and medical support services, caring services in support of community needs and education, training and personal development.