TWO British Red Cross volunteers from West Devon were on hand in Weymouth as part of a massive operation to provide first aid cover at the Olympic sailing events.

Both formerly of Tavistock College, Kit Tigwell and David Roden started volunteering with the Red Cross three and four years ago respectively as part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Since then they have been involved in fundraising, event first aid and casualty simulation in Tavistock and around Devon.

Kit and David said: 'Being able to work at the Olympics and be part of the incredible atmosphere between staff, ambassadors, officials and the public was a wonderful reflection of the Olympic spirit.

'It was great to meet people from across the country and different organisations, and work together to put our skills into practice.

'We treated a wide range of casuaties from broken feet to plasters and from spectators to staff, even using the new beach ambulance to transport a casualty.'

This was the first time Kit and David had teamed up with St John Ambulance, which gave them a valuable insight into their work in patient transport and emergency response and to appreciate how the organisation worked.

Kit said: 'Having made valuable friendships in both organisations we have been inspired to take part in more opportunities like this in the future.

'We would like to thank the team in Dorset for their fantastic organisation in bringing such a big operation together and ensuring we all enjoyed our time in Weymouth.

'We would also like to thank Julia Felles and everyone at Tavistock centre for their constant help and support over the past three and four years.'

For more about volunteering and the Red Cross visit http://www.redcross.org.uk">www.redcross.org.uk