LEOMINSTER'S Community First Responders (CFR) put a lottery grant to good use when they bought a new response vehicle.

The responders are a team of volunteers who are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service to a nationally recognised level, providing lifesaving treatment to people in their local communities.

The £15,000 lottery grant has enabled Leominster's CFR to buy a new response car – which resembles an ambulance – to help them reach people in the community that need emergency medical assistance.

It is equipped with a defibrillator and oxygen and means the CFRs now have a dedicated response vehicle instead of using their own cars.

CFR Bob Miles said the group is delighted with its the new addition.

He added: "The role of the CFR and Medical First Responders (MFR) has become more critical with the cuts to the NHS and with reduced cover in the rural areas."

Leominster currently has three Community First Responders (CFR) and two MFR – paramedics who also respond when off duty.

The CFR team is made of up Bob Miles, Yon Saunders and Karl Griffiths.

The car is run entirely by voluntary contributions. If anyone would like to make a donation email jph@herefordtimes.com