THE first woman ambulance service cyclist outside London has been appointed in the region.

Kate Walker, 31, has joined the Tees East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service's Life-Cycle team in York, with Neil Green, 27.

They are the newest members of the six-strong team, which provides emergency medical attention in York city centre 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Kate, who lives in York, joined the ambulance service three years ago and has been based at Stockton, Teesside, and Malton.

She is an emergency medical technician but will undergo paramedic training in November.

She said: "It's a great privilege to be asked to join Life-Cycle, which is regarded as a leader in its field. I am particularly pleased to be the first female ambulance service cyclist outside London."

Heart attack victim Rick Hunter, from York, has helped to organise a fundraising golf tournament at Heworth Golf Club on Friday, July 16, to buy kits for Ms Walker and Mr Green, who will play in the tournament, which has a prize fund of £500.

Teams of four are still being recruited to take part in the competition, at a cost of £25 per person or £100 for a team. Anyone interested should phone Heworth Golf Club on (01904) 424618.