ONE of the county’s largest businesses is giving something back to those that help keep its customers safe with a £500 cash boost.

Labels Outlet Shopping in Ross-on-Wye has handed the donation to representatives from Hereford and Worcestershire Community First Responders in recognition of their valued support of the store.

It has been accumulated from various sources over the last 12 months such as when customers ask staff to “keep the change” as well as the occasional coin found by cleaners.

Teresa Jones, from the Labels’ team, said: “Labels Outlet Shopping attracted a million visitors to the area last year.

“Occasionally we find ourselves having to call on the emergency services if one of our visitors needs specialist assistance and a First Responder usually arrives in advance of the ambulance’s arrival.”

Community First Responders are volunteers trained by the ambulance service to provide life-saving treatment to people in local communities.

In many cases, the first few minutes after an injury or the onset of an illness are critical, and lives can be saved by simple interventions which is why the work of the Community First Responders is so vital.

Employees at Labels Outlet Shopping were given the opportunity to nominate where they wanted the £500 donation to go.

They unanimously decided it should go to the local branch of Hereford and Worcestershire Community First Responders, covering the Ross-on-Wye area.

In particular, defibrillation can often prevent death if used immediately after a heart attack.

Labels Outlet Shopping is open seven days a week and located at J4 M50 – gateway to the historic market town of Ross on Wye, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.