Newark and District Community First Responders received grant funding from the National Lottery Community Fund

A charity dedicated to saving lives in the community has received a £11,900 grant to buy new defibrillators.

Newark and District Community First Responders, which works closely with East Midlands Ambulance Service to respond to 999 calls across the district, is entirely volunteer-run.

Despite their collaboration with the ambulance service, the volunteers are responsible for raising all necessary funds to purchase their own uniforms and life-saving equipment.

The grant funding by the National Lottery Community Fund will be used to replace the charity’s older defibrillator units and spare consumables.

Judith Kemp, the Scheme coordinator at the charity said: “The funding is very important for the charity.

“It will allow us to continue to respond to 999 calls with East Midlands Ambulance Service, to assist with emergencies and potentially save lives.”

The team of volunteers undergoes extensive training from the ambulance service before being put to action.

People interested in donating can visit the Newark and District Community First Responders website.