THE INNERLEITHEN and Walkerburn Community First Responder Group is delighted to welcome Councillor Graham Garvie, Convener of Scottish Borders Council, as their new Patron.

The team of volunteers assist the emergency services by responding to life-threatening 999 calls such as cardiac arrests, within the Peeblesshire area, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

First responder team member Iain Weir approached the Tweeddale Councillor last year to ask if he would like to come on board.

“Graham is a very welcome addition to our team and we look forward to his support,” Iain said. “He is someone that can help raise awareness of what we do and give us more of a profile.

“In his position as a councillor he may be able to give the group a bit of clout and he'd perhaps be able to point us in the right direction of funding opportunities. He cares a lot about the community and recognises the value of training the wider population in potentially lifesaving skills as well as maintaining the service we provide.”

Cllr Garvie survived a heart attack early in 2015, and now back to full health, is keen to get stuck in and help the group in any way he can.

“I am honoured to be a part of such a fantastic group,” he said. “I am a firm supporter of the Community First Responders and had no hesitation when asked to become involved. I think the group is a great asset for a community and I really commend the work they do.”

The First Responders' main aim is to bridge the gap between an emergency call being received and an emergency ambulance service arriving in order to increase the chance of survival.

They work in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service and other groups to train volunteers to become community first responders and seek to raise awareness in the community by educating the public in the need for early recognition of signs of cardiac arrest and the need for early CPR which buys precious time in emergency situations.

They are a charity who have to raise the funds they need to train and buy equipment, such as community defibrillators, by themselves.

And, they are in serious need of volunteers so if you are interested call Iain Weir on 07808767299 or visit their Facebook page.