British Red Cross marks centenary

The British Red Cross humanitarian organisation is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Royal Charter.

Some 7,500 of the charity's volunteers and supporters will join a garden party at Buckingham Palace with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The prince will be handed the keys of a Land Rover - one of 60 given to the Red Cross by the vehicle maker.

The charity was granted its first Royal Charter in 1908 by Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, who became its president.

British Red Cross chief executive Sir Nicholas Young said a forecast of heavy rain would not spoil the celebrations.

He told BBC News: "I'm afraid the weather isn't looking very good but I don't think it's going to dampen our spirits.

"We've got this fantastic birthday present from Land Rover of 60 new Land Rover vehicles for our work here and overseas, so I think it is going to be a very happy birthday."

'Fantastic work'

Sir Nicholas said the role of the British Red Cross had changed over the last 100 years.

"A hundred years ago the Red Cross would have been working in the local community, as they are today, and providing a little bit of aid overseas," he said.

"The balance has shifted very much. We're still doing fantastic work in the communities around the UK, but doing a lot more overseas as well."

Half the vehicles will go abroad to help deal with natural disaster operations such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes.

The rest will be spread across the UK for regional work including local flooding, off-road emergencies and public events.

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