Co-operative Award for Community First Responder Volunteer

The Co-operative Group has honoured one of Surrey's community stars at the
inaugural South East Community Awards on Saturday 12 November.

CFR team leader, Craig Chitty attended the prestigious ceremony which took place at ZSL London Zoo's Prince Albert Suite, and celebrated with other individuals, community groups and projects that have made local neighbourhoods in the South East a brighter place to live and work in 2011.

Craig Chitty from Effingham was crowned "Community Hero" for his work
founding the St John Ambulance Effingham and District Community First Responders, ensuring that local residents have access to emergency medical assistance, despite living many miles from the nearest hospital Accident and Emergency department.

Craig Chitty said: 'Being named The Co-operative's Community Hero for 2011 is a huge honour and I am most touched to discover that it was the Parish Clerk who nominated me. Our service is very much a team effort, so this award is for everyone who has given their time and experience to help the St John Ambulance Effingham and District Community First Responders really make the difference between life lost and life saved.'

Miner Mali from The Co-operative's South East Membership said: 'These awards have really captured the imaginations of South East residents and we were overwhelmed with the amount of nominations received. We congratulate Craig on his hard work and determination.'

'This year, The Co-operative's Community Fund has donated over £350,000 to support community groups and projects across the region with their work, so while our winners tonight should rightly be honoured, we also want to give a nod to all the other volunteers, group workers and projects that are out there doing fantastic things for our local communities.'