Businessman Stewart Wight, the driving force behind the First Response idea, said 12 people attended Tuesday's meeting, with a further four or five who couldn't attend, having expressed interest in getting involved.

A good cross-section of the community attended. Men and women of various ages.

"We will now press ahead and try to form a group. The next step will be to try to raise sufficient funds and it is estimated we will need £20,000."

Training for twelve people will cost an estimated £4,500 and Stewart says that if more than 12 sign up, more than one course will be held.

The training will likely be in the Tower Restaurant and will be very much hands-on and practical.

"As we enter the fundraising phase, we will approach local businesses for financial support.

"I would still encourage people to come forward and volunteer and if they need more information, they can contact me.

"We will hold another meeting in a month to keep people informed, but the initial meeting was very positive in that we got enough people prepared to be part of the scheme and to commit to the training."

The new group will also have to pay for defibrilation equipment, oxygen therapy equipment and items like neck and back braces.

After a group has paid for all the initial set up costs, the ambulance service lends its support by paying for things like insurance and fuel.

The biggest expense for the group is likely to be a suitable vehicle, such as a small 4x4.A contact of Stewart has expressed an interest in helping and he will now see what level that interest is.

"We could perhaps get a loan or a cheap lease of a vehicle, but I think our best option would be to purchase. We would not do a big mileage, so the vehicle would likely have a decent lifespan.

"I am now saying to the business community - Be as selfish as you are able to be. A First Response unit would benefit them individually, their workforces and their families.

"We have a good ambulance service, but that only applies when they get there. First Response can help maintain life until an ambulance appears."

Tuesday's meeting was attended by Alan Moffat, Scottish Organiser of First Response. Mearns Community Council chairman David Nelson also attended and promised their support.

"I am pledging £1,000 from my business interests straight away to set the ball rolling. I hope others will make similar pledges and we could be up and running before the end of the year.

"There are a lot of residual costs in setting up a group, but I am sure we can rely on the generosity of the people of this area.

"Letters will shortly go out to businesses, asking for their help."