A NEW St John Ambulance mobile treatment centre will be based in Abingdon.

It was officially presented earlier this month to volunteers and is one of more than 50 vehicles which are being handed over across the UK.

They have been funded through a grant from the Mark Master Masons.

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The Abingdon mobile treatment centre will be put to use at events in the county and region as volunteers deliver life-saving first aid to members of the public.

Ian Alexander QC, Provincial Grand Master for Oxfordshire, said: "I am delighted to formerly hand over the keys to this very impressive new mobile treatment centre to the chairman of the Oxfordshire County Priory Group.

"It makes me and all Mark Master Masons both here in Oxfordshire and elsewhere feel very proud of the achievements of the Mark Benevolent Fund in being able to support St John Ambulance. "

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He added: "I am aware all the volunteers are fulfilling a very worthwhile cause in caring for others and they should all feel very proud of the magnificent work they do."

Innes Mason, chair of Oxfordshire County Priory Group and part of St John Ambulance, said it was 'wonderful news' adding: "[It] will significantly help enhance patient care and contribute to more lives saved locally."