Abingdon Town Council has boosted a St John Ambulance Brigade new building appeal with a donation of £1,000.

The £500,000 appeal was launched last December, after fire severely damaged the brigade's headquarters in Caldecott Road.

The appeal has already raised more than £5,000 for a purpose-built brick replacement.

Council clerk Nigel Warner said: "St John provides a valuable service and the council thought it appropriate to help them out.

"Over the years, St John has helped the community in so many ways, including the annual town fair, and Christmas events. They are always there to help out."

Brigade divisional treasurer and fundraising co-ordinator, Terry Latter, said: "We have reached more than £5,000, but we still have a long way to go." Her daughter, Karen, a former member of St John, will also be taking part in Sunday's London marathon in aid of the appeal.

Karen, 20, is well used to tests of endurance.

In September 1997, aged 16, she completed a solo swim across the English Channel in less than 21 hours.

In June, she will take part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride and, in the autumn, she will take part in a second swim across the Channel -- this time in a relay team.

A benefit concert by the Royal Green Jackets at Amey Hall raised more than £2,000, and other donations have been received.

Members of the Abingdon Sea Scouts recently took part in a 25-mile sponsored walk and raised £341 for the appeal.

The first task facing the brigade is to negotiate a long lease on the property, which is owned by the Vale of White Horse District Council.

Once that is achieved, the brigade plans to put in applications for grants to the National Lottery, and a local charity, the Blackwell Tubney Charitable Trust.