THE Boscastle First Responder team have expressed their thanks to the Wellington Hotel and all its customers for the generous £392.98 donation, which will help to keep the scheme running in the village.

They have also thanked the Wellington Hotel (Welly), for their hospitality in allowing us to hold our monthly meetings in their lounge.

Boscastle Community First Responders went live on May 1, 2005 and have attended several 999 calls in and around the Boscastle area.

Frances Hegarty from the responders said: "Our aim is to respond within eight minutes of an initial 999 call being deployed. We are fully trained to give life saving treatment and reassurance until the ambulance crew arrives on scene."

A Community First Responder Scheme is made up of volunteers who, within the area they live, or work, have been trained to attend designated emergency calls received by the ambulance service.

They provide vital life support until an ambulance arrives. The first responders are not a replacement for the ambulance service, but they complement it.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer First Responder, you need to be over 18 years of age with a clean driving licence and a sympathetic approach to people, be physically fit and able to work as part of a team.

If anyone would like to find out more information, please contact Frances Hegarty on 07790 651061.