THREE people who help to save lives in Horwich received a special thank you in Manchester.

Martin Mason, and husband and wife Kath and Vaughan Thomas, from the Horwich Community First Responder scheme, were presented with certificates from the Greater Manchester Ambulance Service at the ceremoney at the UCI cinema at the Trafford Centre. The three are volunteers who have had training by a paramedic in how to operate a portable defibrillator on someone who is suffering from a cardiac arrest.

When a 999 call comes into the ambulance call centre at Belle Vue, a First Responder in that particular area is alerted at the same time as an ambulance is despatched to the scene.

Prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death when a person suffers a heart attack. Providing treatment within the first few minutes can boost survival chances by more than 50 per cent.

Andy Redgrave, First Responder Manager, said: "These volunteers have all shown a dedication to the community that deserves to be recognized. This awards ceremony was GMAS' way of showing our appreciation and thanks for the hard work and community spirit shown by each and every member of the First Responder Groups."

To date, the 39 First Responder Groups, which have 403 members have been called to 659 incidents.

Derek Cartwright, Director of Operations at GMAS, presented the certificates to members of each group.

He said: "These volunteers have helped to dramatically increase patients chances of survival. It's an honour and a privilege to have been able to meet these individuals and mark their achievement with a presentation."