These pictures show how far first aid has come in the last 100 years.

One, thought to have been taken in Kent in 1890, shows St John nurses and possibly some dignitaries sitting in front of a group of nursing tents.

It was released by St John Kent to celebrate the charity's annual service held earlier this month at The Friars,Aylesford.

The second picture is more up to date - taken at the recent service attended by about 150 retired St John Ambulance Kent division members and older serving members.

Maureen Lewsey, deputy commissioner for Kent, said: “We had tea afterwards so that they could have nice chat. We had an old wheeled stretcher from Ashford on show, which was still in use in the 1920s, and some of our members were there in old uniforms.”

Do you know where these old pictures were taken? Do you have any old pictures of the early days of St John Ambulance? Were you a St John nurse? Write to 6-7 Middle Row, Maidstone, ME14 1TG or e-mail messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk