A LIFE-SAVING defibrillator has been installed in Alveston following a successful fundraising campaign.

The Community Forum has been raising money to buy the heart-starting device for 15 months.

The machine has been installed by the front entrance to the Jubilee Hall next to the playing fields, where there is easy parking.

In an emergency members of the public will be able to access it, once they have dialled 999.

Alveston Community Forum secretary Elaine Lee told the Gazette they had raised enough to buy a top-of-the-range model.

“This site was chosen as it is close to the main A38, playing fields and adventure playground," she said. “You cannot miss it. It is bright green and even glows at night.”

The forum’s defibrillator group organised an awareness day for residents on Sunday, March 23.

A hundred local people popped by during the day to receive training on how to use the machine, practicing the potentially life-saving procedures on mannequins loaned by Magnox.

Profits from coffee mornings, fish and chip dinners, musical entertainment, workshops and talks were added to the proceeds of last year’s flower and community shows.

Generous donations from local businesses, clubs and individuals mean to over £5,000 has been raised.

A defibrillator or automated external defibrillator (AED) is a machine that delivers an electric shock to the heart when someone is suffering a cardiac arrest.

Around 60,000 cardiac arrests take place outside of hospitals every year in the UK.

Project supporters include the Friends of Thornbury Hospital, Alveston Flower and Craft Show Committee, Alveston Gardens Association, Alveston Pharmacy, Thornbury Cricket Club, Girlguiding, Olveston Sports and Social Club, Rolls Royce, the Youth Centre and the Jubilee Hall.

Money was also donated in memory of Brian and Jenny English and Bob Riddiford.

Ms Lee added: “The successful purchase and installation proves that community spirit is alive and well in Alveston.”

The fund remains open for another machine to be installed in the future. Alveston Community Forum meets on the first Wednesday of the month, see www.alveston.org for more information.