FIRST Responders in southern Oxfordshire have been given £2,000 by local Freemasons.

The Freemasons of Wantage held their 15th Burn's Night event earlier this year in the Masonic hall to fundraised for the charity.

Money went to a central fund, and on receiving it the Central Berkshire group upped the contribution to the South Central Ambulance Charity to £2,000, because they felt the cause was worthy.

First Responders - also known as Community Responders - are a volunteer group that respond to 999 calls in the local community while an ambulance is on its way.

Dan Ruby, coordinator for the local team, said: "We are so grateful for for the support and generosity provided by the Freemasons.

"The money raised by them is being put towards purchasing a much needed response vehicle. This will allow us to respond to a wider range of calls across a further distance, whilst raising the profile of the team within the local community.

Mr Ruby continued: "The dedication, commitment and time that our team volunteer is inspiring, they are a credit to both the Ambulance service and their community, giving up their own time voluntarily to respond to life threatening 999 emergencies."

For more information, email cfr@scas.nhs.uk.