A SCHEME for volunteers to provide first aid to people who have suffered heart attacks is "going live" in a County Durham village for the first time today.

Members of the community are on standby in the Trimdon Village First Responder scheme.

Volunteers have been trained in first aid, including the use of a defibrillator, to attend patients and provide vital early help, which could dramatically improve their chances of survival.

Patricia Slater, of the Trimdon 2000 project, said: "From today, as soon as somebody collapses in this village and a 999 call goes into the ambulance service, they will send out a paramedic and notify the volunteer."

The first responder scheme will operate from 8am to 8pm while volunteers get accustomed to it, but will soon be providing 24-hour cover.

The project, backed by the North East Ambulance Service, needs funding to help it continue and recent donations have been received from Sedgefield Rotary Club and Trimdon Parish Council.

Organisers are also on the look out for more volunteers to take part.

Anyone who wants to make a donation or volunteer is asked to ring (01429) 883088.