Dating back to the Crusades, The Order of St John was founded with the aim to give aid to those who were sick, in distress or danger; regardless of their race, class or creed.

The modern group still maintain those ideals across eight different countries.

Each different branch of the Order in Scotland carries out vital fundraising work for a variety of good causes.

These include supporting mountain rescue teams and the St John's Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, as well as raising money for local initiatives which support the organisation's aims.

The new central Fife group will help Glenrothes Hospital, as well as many other worthy causes.

However, secretary Sam Hortin is hoping more people will get involved with the group.

He said: "We are trying to let as many people as possible know about the Order, a lot of the public have no idea what we do.

"We hope that this will encourage more individuals to get involved, especially younger people.

"We at the Order of St John central section will be working with the other Fife branches and supporting hospitals and organisations throughout Fife."

• To read the full story pick up your copy of the Fife Free Press first thing Thursday morning.