EVESHAM and District Ladies Darts League hit more than their target when they were on the oche last season.

They also held a charity evening and a grand draw and raised £1,000 each for the Evesham St John Ambulance Appeal and the County Air Ambulance.

Member of St John Ambulance, Mr Jim Geen, said: "It is unbelievable that one group of people could raise so much money for us, and the Air Ambulance.

"It's a fantastic effort which has enabled us to go ahead with our project.

"The latest donation has made it possible for us to get on and choose a former army ambulance to buy and refurbish." Darts league secretary, Marion Brighton said: "We were pleased to raise the cash.

"Both St John and the Air Ambulance are very good causes which help local people."

Since the Journal launched the St John Ambulance Appeal last year £9,000 has come rolling in.

St John Ambulance volunteers were delighted, even though the total did not come near to meeting their original target of £60,000.

Mr Geen said: "We realised it would take some years to raise that amount of cash for a brand new vehicle so we had a rethink after hearing about the army ambulances.

"We think one of them will do just fine, and with the money we have got we will be able to kit one out and paint it in our colours."

He added: "Although big amounts of cash are very welcome, we must not forget the fivers and tenners that have been rolling in from all sorts of people because together they are equally as valuable.

"It will certainly be 'the people's ambulance' when we get it!"