A NEW First Responders group hosted an open evening to demonstrate the life saving equipment used and highlight the need for volunteers.

Langwathby First Responders are due to go live as soon as the first ten people have completed their training course. A grant from the British Heart Foundation met half the costs of the £1,800 defibulator machine and, while funds have been found to buy the initial equipment, on-going costs to finance the pagers, gloves, jells, face masks and other items will have to be raised by the group.

Chairman of Langwathby First Responders Mike Turnbull said: "We would like to find sponsors if possible as well as volunteers to help with a wide range of activities, from fund-raising to administration. You do not have to be a First Responder to help. We are looking for people to take posts on the committee."

To highlight the work of the First Responders, the group hosted an open evening in the village pub, The Shepherds Inn, where landlord and landlady Mark and Pauline Berry are strong supporters of the Langwathby First Responders.

Pauline said: "Knowing that there will be a First Responder team in the village makes it safer for not only those living in the village, but also visitors and customers here in the pub. We were delighted to be able to help the group by providing a venue for their open evening and a secure base to store their equipment in the centre of the village."

Community First Responder co-ordinator from Cumbria Ambulance Service Roger Pett attended the open evening to demonstrate the equipment and answer questions about the service.

Langwathby First Responders are aiming to go live early in the New Year and welcome new volunteers. Anyone interested in helping can contact Mike Turnbull on 01768 881897.