PUBLIC spirited villagers in Bicknoller are ready for action after launching their own emergency response team.

The Bicknoller Community First Responders has been up and running since April and has already responded to a number of 999 calls.

Responders' groups are trained to provide an initial response to calls in areas where ambulances can find it difficult to meet the eight-minute response target.

The Bicknoller team currently has a dozen members but is looking to recruit more.

Martyn Callow, senior community engagement manager for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said the team had been "highly active".

"They are doing very well and have attended a number of calls," he said.

First responders receive training and have their equipment and uniform funded by the NHS.

The Bicknoller team provide 24-hour cover and attend calls within a two-mile radius of their village centre.

"They go ahead of the ambulance in emergency life threatening situations but they are always backed up by an NHS response unit," said Mr Callow.

The team was showing off its skills at last weekend's Bicknoller Flower Show, an event which was also a fundraiser.

Members, who always work in pairs, are trying to raise £5,000 to buy a second response kit to allow them to attend more than one call at a time if they are needed.

Mr Callow said he wanted to thank the new recruits for their efforts and their dedication.

"In particular, I would like to praise the team co-ordinator Kees Terbraak for his persistence in getting the group off the ground.

"He has without doubt been the driving force in making this happen."

Photo: Steve Guscott