COMMUNITY first responders in Prestatyn and Rhyl can now feel a bit more more ‘snug’ when out in the cold weather after a gift from fundraisers.

Rhyl fundraising group Belief, led by Steve Evans of Meliden, joined forces with Lobitos tyres to make a donation of cold weather winter jackets.

Steve was inspired to fundraise for the jackets after approaching the Welsh Ambulance Service to become a volunteer. He was invited to a meeting and was amazed to hear the responders, who are self-funded, didn't have any warm jackets.

"One of the volunteers said he went to incident and had to stay out in the cold for hours in a polo shirt." he said.

"Immediately I thought, we can't have this and approached Belief. It got passed through very quickly.

"Despite being recognised by the 999 service, the team is self funded and rely on donations.

“We have already heard how beneficial the jackets have been.”

The jackets cost about £50 to £55 each.

Leigh Clayton, Community First Responder team manager who is assisted by team co-ordinator Katie Mellor, said: “They are Dover Waterproof style jackets. A specialist type of clothing. We didn’t really have anything previously, so it is very kind.

“We are a team of 12 first responders. All volunteers have day jobs as well - we have a lad who is a fireman, a lady who works for royal mail and a delivery driver.”

Belief now has 68 members.

Steve has started his training to become a first responder. He will undertake a course in Wrexham for a week. After that, he will be pair with someone until he is he is confident to go out on his own.

Steve added: "The first responders go out very regularly. One of the volunteers was called out four times in one day."

A presentation of the jackets took place last week. Belief were shown round an emergency vehicle and the full kit that the team use when attending emergency calls.