The town's Community First Response Scheme service is run by local trained volunteers who provide a community-based fast response to critical emergencies such as heart attacks and those having difficulty breathing.

Established in April 2009 in Knaresborough, community responders provide vital care in the first few minutes of an emergency before the ambulance arrives.

The scheme is coordinated and supported by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Community First Response schemes like Knaresborough's, benefit patients by getting lifesaving equipment to the scene quickly.

If you're interested in becoming a responder in the area, a course has been organised to provide all the necessary training.

As an introduction and information for those who would like to find out more, an open session has been organised for Thursday, July 16 between 5pm and 6pm at Knaresborough Fire Station on Gracious Street.

The two day training course to become a responder will then take place on August 22 and 23, also at Knaresborough Fire Station.

Jason Westwood, Community Responder for Knaresborough said: "This is a vital service for the community, run by the community. The more people involved the better the scheme becomes. Local people are already gaining the benefits of a close and local response.

"The initial and ongoing training and support from the ambulance service is first class. The commitment is low and delivery is flexible to help with busy lives.

"I've found training to become a responder and actual delivery of the scheme an interesting and fulfilling experience, that I recommend to anyone."

For more information about the introductory session and course, contact Patrick Murphy on 07824 407955 or Patrick.murphy@yas.nhs.uk or to find out how the Knaresborough scheme works contact Jason Westwood on 07754 088283 or post@jasonwestwood.co.uk