A pair of new state-of-the-art bikes will allow St John Ambulance volunteers to continue their life-saving efforts.

Cycle responders working for the charity in Lowestoft have gratefully received the bespoke mountain bikes, replacing their existing models which are being rehomed with volunteers in Derby,

They are two of a total of 18 which have been deployed around the country as the cycle responders division of St John Ambulance celebrates 15 years of first aid provision.

The latest machines were built by London-based specialist Havebike, whose employees have provided more than 130 bicycles to the charity over the years.

Martin Robbins, a cycle responder trainer and cycle custodian with the Lowestoft unit, said: 'These bikes enable us to carry on our mission and deploy cyclists in locations where they will be able to arrive more quickly than road vehicles and foot patrols.

'Over the last 15 years, these bikes have proved themselves to be a valuable asset to the charity and it is wonderful that investment is being made to ensure our fleet of cycles continues to be of the highest quality.'

Cycle responders are stationed across the country, including at events such as marathons and county shows where dense crowds can make it difficult for vehicles to navigate.

Each responder's bike is kitted out with enough equipment to make it an ambulance on two wheels – carrying everything from bandages and aspirin, to oxygen and a defibrillator.

Tom Daly, regional operational cycling officer at St John Ambulance, added: 'These two bikes are great news for our Lowestoft cycle responders and mean their existing bikes can be redeployed for other uses.

'Our responders are now a familiar sight at events, working alongside first aiders on foot or at first aid posts.

'We now have 32 cycles and 73 cycle responders in the east region, providing us with a fantastic resource in town and city centres and in locations which would be more difficult for a road ambulance to access.'

In addition to taking delivery of the new bikes, Mr Robbins has been fundraising for new panniers and two new defibrillators for the cycles since early 2018.

Visit his Just Giving page to help him towards his target of £5,000.