A TEAM of volunteers, often the first on the scene at the time of an emergency, has been commended for raising over £5,000.

Stan Willis and his six colleagues from the Sevenoaks Community First Responder Scheme were called to the Felbridge Hotel in East Grinstead where they were named Team of the Year by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Mr Willis, a carer by day, said: "We've raised over £5,000 in the last four years and we're always looking to raise as much as possible. We hold all sorts of events and on August 21, the Black Horse pub at Borough Green is hosting a fun day with a bouncy castle and live music."

Ambulance service volunteers work alongside the professional crews.

When a 999 call is logged, often the locally-based volunteers are the fastest to respond and can administer first aid before paramedics arrive.

The volunteer group covers a region from Westerham to Borough Green and Knockholt, plus Sevenoaks town centre.

Mr Willis, from Hale Lane in Otford, is a veteran of around 400 call-outs.

He added: "We all have to hold down normal jobs so we can't guarantee someone is on call 24 hours a day.

"We have other people keen to help us but we can't accept their help until we have the money to fund their equipment."

To donate or fundraise for the Sevenoaks Community First Responder Scheme, call 01273 897836.