A new mobile treatment centre has been given to St John's Ambulance by the Mark Master Masons.

Eastern Daily Press: Chairman of St John's Ambulance Norfolk, Brigadier Alasdair Wilson, left, with Provincial Grand Master Paul Norman, centre, and Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, inside the new St John's Ambulance mobile treatment centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYChairman of St John's Ambulance Norfolk, Brigadier Alasdair Wilson, left, with Provincial Grand Master Paul Norman, centre, and Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, inside the new St John's Ambulance mobile treatment centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Representatives from the Master Masons, Ambulance and the Order of St John County Priory Group gathered in the drizzle on Wednesday lunchtime to observe Provincial Grand Master Paul Norman present Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis with the keys to the vehicle.

The Norfolk treatment centre is one of more than 50 vehicles which are being handed over in the UK (excluding Scotland) in a phased programme from October 2017 and throughout 2018.

They have been bought thanks to a capital grant by the Mark Master Masons through their Mark Benevolent Fund to the Order of St John.

The Norfolk vehicle, which has new therapeutic blue lighting, will be put to use at events around the county, with the Great East Anglia Run scheduled as one of its first outings.

Eastern Daily Press: St John's Ambulance volunteers with the new St John's Ambulance mobile treatment centre. From left, Cam Warren, Trudie Needham, Oliver Needham, and Jake Kerry. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSt John's Ambulance volunteers with the new St John's Ambulance mobile treatment centre. From left, Cam Warren, Trudie Needham, Oliver Needham, and Jake Kerry. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The new custodian of the vehicle is Trudie Needham, a St John's Ambulance driver from Fakenham. She said: I'm very excited, and I feel privileged to be custodian.'

Provincial Grand Master Norman said: 'We are delighted to support the fantastic service that is given to the community by the members of St John.

'This mobile treatment centre donated by the Mark Benevolent Fund will enhance still further the high standards of first aid given to local people.'

Alasdair Wilson, Chair of the Norfolk County Priory Group, said: 'The donation of this vehicle is wonderful news for the county and will significantly help enhance patient care and contribute to more lives saved locally.

'We're immensely grateful to the Mark Master Masons in the East Anglia Province and to the Mark Benevolent Fund for their generosity and we look forward to seeing the positive use made by local St John Ambulance volunteers of the vehicle in the future as they continue the charity's life saving mission.'

For more information about the Mark Master Masons and the Mark Benevolent Fund visit www.glmmm.com and www.markbenevolence.org.ukFor more information about St John Ambulance, visit www.sja.org.uk and for more information about the Order of St John in England, visit www.stjohnengland.org.uk