A VILLAGE now has its own defibrillator after receiving funding from the British Heart Foundation.

The life-saving equipment was installed outside The George pub in Chideock on Tuesday (6).

Chideock WI launched the project to bring a defibrillator to the village last year, with members of the community coming together in order to take the idea forward.

Campaigners are pleased that the defibrillator has been installed along the bust A35 which passes through the centre of the village.

Cllr Roger Carey, chairman of Chideock Parish Council and member of the defibrillator steering group, said: "It is really important because we have a lot of tourists coming through the village, so it's there for visitors and local residents.

"There will be a training session in January to show people how to use it.

"Unfortunately we have an ageing population in the village, so it could be there to help anybody. If we are able to help one person with it, then it will have been worth it."

The defibrillator and cabinet have been provided through a grant from the British Heart Foundation, while additional funding was donated by Chideock WI, the Chideock Village Trust, Chideock Society, the Chideock village website and members of the local community. Palmers Brewery has funded the cost of installing the equipment.

The British Heart Foundation required a contribution from the village of £400, which was covered by the Chideock WI donation.

The British Heart Foundation is hoping to create a "nation of lifesavers" through training and funding for life-saving equipment.

A spokeswoman for the British Heart Foundation, said: "In the UK there are more than 30,000 cardiac arrests a year outside of hospital where the emergency medical services attempt to resuscitate the victim.

"However, our survival rate is dismal - less than one in 10 victims survive to be discharged from hospital –and lags behind those of other developed nations.

"There are a few simple steps that anyone witnessing a cardiac arrest, or finding a victim, can take to help save their life: calling 999, performing CPR and using a PAD (public access defibrillator) if one is available.

"We are determined to tackle this, by creating a nation of lifesavers and improving survival rates for out of hospital cardiac arrest. Ensuring that all young people are taught CPR and PAD awareness at secondary school will be vital to achieving this ambition."

For more information, visit bhf.org.uk