SIX people have been nominated in The Comet Community Awards 2009 for their voluntary work with the East of England Ambulance Service. Stevenage residents Terence Salter, Richard Lumb, Ben Creasey, James Springall, Gary Relf and Nicola Shackell have all b

SIX people have been nominated in The Comet Community Awards 2009 for their voluntary work with the East of England Ambulance Service.

Stevenage residents Terence Salter, Richard Lumb, Ben Creasey, James Springall, Gary Relf and Nicola Shackell have all been nominated in the Service to the Community category.

They are all community first responders who cover the Stevenage area and have been nominated by Adam Hayes, who is a friend to Mr Salter.

Mr Hayes said: "They are all volunteers and give up their time to be on call 24 hours a day, when possible.

"They are trained, assessed and equipped by the ambulance service, but they also undertake and attend events to raise money for extra essential equipment.

"Community responders play an essential part in supporting the ambulance service.

"Having people in the community who can attend lifesaving calls and provide immediate first aid before an ambulance arrives has saved lives."

On being told about the award nomination, coordinator Mr Salter, of Norwich Close in Stevenage, said: "We are really pleased, it's fantastic, and we would like to thank Adam."

Mr Salter, a trainee driving instructor, has been a community first responder for two years. He said: "We are from all walks of life and we get a lot of pleasure out of helping people in the community. We are here to go and save lives."

To nominate someone you know for an award, call Sarah Scott on 01438 866023, email her at sarah.scott@archant.co.uk or visit www.thecomet24.co.uk/communityawards

The entry deadline is September 25 and the winners of each award will be invited to a ceremony which will be held on October 23 at the Ramada Cromwell in Stevenage.