EMPLOYEES of a Knutsford store voted with their hearts when deciding on their new chosen ‘Charity of the Year’.

Sainsbury’s, on Canute Place, will be spending the next year fundraising for Knutsford Community First Responder Trust.

The First Responders team is made up of a group of trained volunteers who work in conjunction with the ambulance service to provide a rapid response to emergency situations.

Sainsbury’s Store Manager Gareth Saunders said: “We picked the First Responders because it is quite close to a lot of colleagues’ hearts, particularly the Heartstart services.

“We thought it would be a great charity to support and everyone wanted to get involved.

“My team are really enthusiastic about raising money for them and we are hoping to plan interesting events in the community.”

Some of the fundraising ideas currently being bounced around include bunjee jumping and sky diving.

Adrian Rees, chairman of the trust, said that the First Responders team are honoured to be nominated.

He added: “It is a most generous award by Sainsbury's; funding our continuing work in providing Knutsford and the surrounding communities our monthly Heartstart courses, provision of a First Responder service and the fitting of defibrillators is very expensive.

“Without the on-going financial support of local businesses such as Sainsbury's, we would be unable to continue these life saving activities.

“We look forward to working alongside Gareth and his splendid team at the

Sainsbury's Knutsford store in their many sponsored initiatives over the coming

year."

For more information about the Knutsford Community First Responders Trust, visit knutsfordfirstresponders.org.uk.