OIL company Esso has made a £250 donation to a group of first aiders on Teesside.

The money will help pay for ambulances and equipment used by St John Ambulance volunteers when they attend race meetings and equestrian events in the area.

The grant was received by David Aykroyd, Teesside and North Yorkshire organiser of the St John Ambulance open gardens scheme. It is the third year Esso's Community Watch programme has supported the charity.

Many outdoor events could not take place without the first aiders, making fundraising events such as the open gardens scheme vital.