Dearham and District First Responders are celebrating 10 years.

But with only two responders covering a wide area including Maryport, the 10th anniversary is also one of concern.

Dearham and District First Responders had more than 400 calls last year, 80 per cent of which were to people in Maryport.

This year is shaping up to be the same or even busier, according to responder Alec Moore.

As well as appealing for more public help, they also need more defibrillators and public places to install them.

Defibrillators come in vandal-proof casing. While training can be provided where required, it is not really necessary.

Team leader Rab Bower, 49, of Hillside, Maryport, said: "The equipment 'talks' you through the procedure in easy to follow instructions."

There are now four publicly available defibrillators in Maryport, at the Factory Shop, the Lake District Coast Aquarium, Ewanrigg and Netherton Community Centre and the Co-op, where a defibrillator was installed last week. 

Mr Bower added: "We would really like to get one in Crosby, which has none, or Flimby if someone would have one."

The duo cover an area that includes Dearham, Maryport, Crosby, Broughton Moor and Flimby, with a total of 20,000 people.

Anyone interested in becoming a first responder, hosting a defibrillator or donating to the cause can contact Mr Moore on 01900 813247 or Mr Bower on 07455274888.