THE Duke of Gloucester has officially opened the new headquarters of St John Ambulance in the Plymouth and West Devon area.

The Duke, who is Grand Prior of the nation's leading first aid charity, met staff and volunteers and got a tour of the purpose-built centre in Sisna Park Road, Estover, during his visit on Sunday.

The new centre is equipped with the latest multi-media technology, sophisticated training equipment and has a suite of training rooms to meet the increasing demand for St John Ambulance first aid courses in the area.

It replaces outdated facilities at Bedford Terrace.

The Duke saw a first aid training demonstration, some of the county's state-of-the-art ambulances, and unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening.

David Wirrich, chief executive officer for St John Ambulance Devon, said: 'It was a wonderful opportunity to show The Duke our new centre and explain how it will help to train even more people in the first aid skills that can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.'

The new centre is also the base for both staff and volunteers from West Area who meet there once a week.

St John Ambulance expects to train up to 1,000 people each year in life-saving first aid and health and safety skills from the new training centre.