VOLUNTEERS from St John Ambulance will no longer provide first-aid cover at Bury Football Club.

The charity has had a presence on matchdays at Gigg Lane for more than 30 years, coming to the aid of supporters who need a helping hand.

However, internal problems with the Bury branch of St John Ambulance, reported in the Bury Times last month, has led to the group having to cancel its agreement with the Shakers.

A spokesman for the branch said: "After decades of first-aid cover being provided at Gigg Lane by St John Ambulance, the two parties have this season decided to part ways.

"This decision has recently come about following the closure of both the cadet and badger units at Bury St John Ambulance and a shortage of adults to provide the service.

"Bury, along with other units in the local area, have provided first aid cover at Gigg Lane for over 30 years, but since the closure of the two units have struggled to recruit adult members.

"This is one of a number of events in the local area that will no longer be provided first-aid cover."

Bury Football Club chief executive officer Glenn Thomas said: "It is a real shame. I really hope the branch can continue because they are an amazing organisation who have done some valuable work.

"Everyone in the community will have seen St John Ambulance volunteers either at games or at public events and it would be great to keep that tradition alive."

The Shakers begin the season with a home game against Charlton on August 6.

Mr Thomas added: "We are aware of our matchday requirements in terms of medical cover and we have arrangements in place to make sure they are met. There has to be two paid paramedics in place and we also have a doctor in place who takes the lead in such situations. We paid St John Ambulance for providing a service and will do the same for those who provide the service next season."