BRANSGORE residents are in safe hands after the unveiling of its latest lifesaving defibrillator.

The Bransgore Community First Responders have donated a defibrillator and security box, which is now fitted to the front of the village hall.

There are now four located in the village, including another at Bransgore Primary School.

Group co-ordinator Mike Jukes said: “We had received donations which people suggested should go to something special other than our running costs.

“Bransgore Parish Council were the first locally to recognise the value of these lifesaving devices some months ago when they put one in the village centre by the shops, and with another at Harrow Wood Caravan site and the school the area was well served.

“But with so many people of different ages using the village hall and the adjoining playing fields and games area, it made sense to have one there. We were happy to donate it to the parish council which is so supportive of what we do.”

The defibrillator was formally handed over to Bransgore Parish Clerk Edwin Macknamara by the responders.

Speaking on behalf of Bransgore Parish Council he added: "The parish were very pleased to accept this offer from our responders. It is good to know that it is here if needed by anyone, young or old."

More than 30,000 cases of sudden cardiac arrest occur each year outside of a hospital environment and without immediate assistance most could be fatal. The use of an automated external defibrillator (AUD) within a few minutes together with hands-only CPR greatly increases survival rates.

To find out more about Bransgore Community First Responders, becoming a volunteer or making a donation call 0844 500 9699, email cfr @scas.nhs.uk or visit southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/our-services/communityresponders.ashx.

Mike Jukes of Bransgore Community First Responders is pictured with Edwin Macknamara with the new defibrillator.