Extra lifesaving support is on hand in the Wigton area thanks to the launch of a new community first responders group.

Volunteer Gareth Barrington has just set up the group which offers an additional response to that of the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

First responders are regular members of the community who receive special training to deal with potentially life-threatening situations while an ambulance arrives.

Because the volunteers live in the community they serve, they can often be at the scene of a call out more quickly than the normal ambulance team.

"There are quite a lot of established groups in the area, you've got them around Carlisle, Aspatria, Thursby and Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket. So there are quite a few but the idea is based on response times," Mr Barrington told The Cumberland News .

"When I applied to become a first responder I was told there wasn't a group in Wigton but I was lucky enough to be able to start one. It was identified there was a need for one.

"If you wanted to start up a group where there wasn't a need you would be told thanks very much but there isn't a need.

"Normally you would think of groups being in more remote locations, but it still works for Wigton because there are lots of small villages and hamlets around here which are further in distance from the main roads.

"Wigton as a town centre is quite urban but there are lots of rural locations too. My response area covers places like Oulton, Blencogo etc.

"An ambulance crew could be just three miles from somewhere as the crow flies, but because of Cumbria's geography it could take you 18 miles to drive there. Time is really critical and it's why these groups are important."

The Wigton group will be able to respond to incidents within a three-mile radius of the town.

There is an ambulance station in Wigton itself but the vehicle could be called out anywhere leaving the town without immediate cover. The other nearest NWAS crews are based in Carlisle, Keswick and Flimby.

"Because of the pressures the ambulance service - as well as others - is under, it was seen as an advantage to start up a group," Mr Barrington added.

Usually first responders will only attend more serious call outs, known as red calls, such as people suffering from heart attacks or breathing difficulties.

"The ideal situation is that someone gets to the location and starts treatment as quickly as possible," Mr Barrington continued.

Currently Mr Barrington is having to man the first responder team on his own after a second volunteer had to step down due to personal reasons.

He is hoping more people will soon come on board and is also inviting the community to help raise funds.

Funding is supplied by NWAS for enough equipment for just one responder, after that new pieces must be bought through fundraising. Each new kit is estimated to cost around £2,500.

The application process is run centrally by NWAS and anyone interested can contact them through their website nwas-responders.info

Applicants will have to go through a vetting process and security checks and if successful will undergo the necessary training.

To contact the Wigton Community First Responders directly people can reach them via their Facebook page or Twitter account.