ORGANISERS of a pioneering scheme aimed at reducing the number of deaths of heart attack victims have launched a recruitment drive for volunteers.

The Heart of Lancashire Appeal, which seeks to train ordinary people to use a life-saving defibrillators, held a session in Great Harwood to try to get the initiative up and running in the area.

A public meeting was held at Churchfield House in a bid to get a team of 12 'first res ponders' who will operate the medical equipment.

Appeal manager Malcolm Hordern said: "We are now hopeful that the scheme in this area can go forward and save lives."

Regulars at The Plough, Queen Street, have expressed an interest and have already started fundraising to reach the £6,000 target needed to get the scheme off the ground.

Mr Hordern added: "But we need more volunteers to become first responders."

"These are people who are trained to use defibrillators. They come under the control of Lancashire Ambulance Service and are given a pager. When paramedics receive a 999 call they will contact the first responder to see if they can get to the scene before them.

"The first three or four minutes are the critical period and if required they will use the defibrillator and look after the patient until the paramedics arrive." Mr Hordern also said that they were looking for volunteers in Accrington and throughout East Lancashire. Anyone interested in getting involved should call 01772 711510.