TO CELEBRATE 125 years of St John Ambulance Hampshire, members gathered at Winchester Cathedral for a special and memorable service.

The event was attended by local dignitaries including Dame Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and president of the council of St John Hampshire, and was led by the Dean of Winchester, The Very Reverend James Atwell.

The congregation watched as a procession, which included the clergy and St John members of all ages, made its way down the aisle of the cathedral.

Representatives from the county management board and the Council of St John Hampshire were also among those who took part.

George Ringrow, county chief executive officer for the charity in Hampshire, said: “It was an incredibly moving service.

“We were thrilled to see such an amazing turnout by our members and supporters.”

St John Ambulance has been providing first aid, care and transport to communities across Hampshire since the late 1800s.

The charity has more than 40 volunteer groups across the county, and 1,300 members aged from five years old upwards.

Mr Ringrow said: “We have a committed group of volunteers in St John Ambulance and it is through their hard work, belief and dedication that we are here today.

“It is also due to them that our charity has been able to help so many people over so many years.”