A GROUP of live-saving volunteers in Knutsford has just welcomed nine new members into its community following a successful recruitment drive.

After holding a recruitment drive in July, which included an appearance from Tatton MP George Osborne, Knutsford Community First Responder Trust has now trained nine new recruits approved by the North West Ambulance Service.

The First Responders, a group of trained voluntary workers from Knutsford and the surrounding area, take time out of their routine to work shifts attending emergency calls alongside, and often ahead of paramedics.

Adrian Rees, chairman for the Knutsford First Responders Trust, said: “We had hoped to attract sufficient interest in the community to, maybe increase our current team numbers from five to 10, but to have nine new recruits pass their interviews, be trained and approved by NWAS by mid-November, with a further two to be added in the coming months, is beyond my wildest dreams.

“Having a team of around 15 First Responders, compared to our previous strength of five, will undoubtedly save more lives in Knutsford and our surrounding villages.”

Up until November, the group of five members was only able to cover 37 per cent of the ‘on duty’ times from 9am to 10pm five days a week.

But with the new team they are now planning to increase the coverage to nearly 100 per cent, and also provide responders for weekend shifts.

Adrian added: “I am so proud of all our responders for dedicating their time, without any financial rewards, to save lives in our community.

“The rewards come from knowing they are making a real difference; providing the Trust with sufficient trained First Responders to allow our residents to know that.

“In the hopefully infrequent event of needing emergency help, one of our team will be on duty to be there within minutes.”

Despite its huge success, the recruitment campaign is ongoing, and the First Responders are always looking for new members to help their community grow and increase the cover they can provide to Knutsford residents.