FIRST responders have been presented with their five-year badges for their service in Brightlingsea.

Steve Wicks and Gary Morton were given the awards in recognition for volunteering as community first responders.

Steve said: “I am very proud to be a community first responder and enjoy being part of a great group of people, serving our community in Brightlingsea.

“We receive such amazing support from the people of the town and it is so rewarding to be able to provide a rapid local response and to be a calming influence in stressful situations.

“It is also a privilege to see, first-hand, the skill and dedication of East of England Ambulance Service’s front-line staff”.

Gary added: “It is a privilege to be able to respond in our community when people are in need of help. It is great to have a good insight into the skill and compassion of the ambulance crews.”