A VOLUNTARY first aid scheme has been shortlisted for a community award.

The Trimdon Village First Responder scheme provides volunteers on standby ready to administer first aid to people who have suffered heart attacks.

The volunteers have been trained in the use of a defibrillator machine and can reach patients in the village within five minutes to provide first aid until paramedics arrive.

The scheme, which was launched in January by Prime Minister Tony Blair, is in contention to be chosen as a Community Champion by the Scarman Trust.

The Community Champion fund was set up to help individuals and groups who have helped establish community activities.

Tricia Slater, health and social care officer for the Trimdon 2000 project, said: "I wrote to the Scarman Trust in January to tell them about the First Responder scheme. They told me we had been shortlisted for an interview in Middlesbrough, so I went along.

"They wanted to know how we had changed things in the community and I made a big deal about putting the word neighbour into neighbourhood."

Mrs Slater, who is a First Responder volunteer, said there had been six call-outs since the scheme started, mostly for people with heart problems, and that they had been able to respond within five minutes each time.

The award winners will be announced in August.

Meanwhile, more volunteers are needed to keep the First Responder scheme running. Anyone interested can contact Tricia Slater on (01429) 883088.