KEVIN Blackburn is known for his speed – but he’ll take his time as he carries the Olympic Flame.

The Dalton dad-of-three has been selected to carry the Olympic Flame through his work as a Community First Responder for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

He’s called on to get to a scene quickly to administer vital first aid in the event of someone having a cardiac or respiratory arrest.

And it’s all done voluntarily for the good of the community.

Kevin has also used his expertise to train colleagues at Lloyds in Copley, near Sowerby Bridge, where he works and many of them have gone on to sign up as CFRs.

Kevin said: “My boss nominated me for it, I had no idea about it.

“I volunteer as a Community First Responder and I’ve also piloted a scheme within Lloyds teaching them defibrillation and oxygen techniques.

“As a result of that 25 of the 40 went on to sign up as CFRs in their own communities.”

Kevin, who is also a governor at Moldgreen Community Primary School, was nominated under the ‘make a difference’ category.

He has worked for Lloyds since 2007 in their IT provision and has been a CFR since July 2008.

He explained: “I’d been learning first aid for years and worked at Elland for the ambulance service and they kept telling me I should join them.

“So I did and have enjoyed it.

“CFRs are called on to go to a scene within six minutes of their address when a life-threatening situation occurs.

“It could be an ambulance is 10 to 15 minutes away so I’ll be sent out.

“It’s all done voluntarily. You give your time up to the community and they ask for people to give four hours a week.

“I’ve been called out to Sheepridge, Fartown, Newsome up towards Shepley – or wherever I’m needed.”

His life-saving skills were needed just six weeks ago while at work.

Kevin added: “Somebody suffered a heart attack. It was one of my colleagues and we were able to help them.

“It shows the pilot scheme brought dividends.”

Kevin, a father to Paul, 23, Kemble, 14, and Tonayah, 10, will carry the Olympic Flame through Heywood in Lancashire on June 23, the day before it reaches Huddersfield.