THE former telephone kiosk in the centre of the village of Ludchurch is now set up to save lives in a different way.

The kiosk, which has been bought by the Ludchurch Village Committee is now home to a defibrillator and was the setting for the official launch.

Sponsors, villagers and committee members got together to get a demonstration from committee chairman, Dr Anthony Evans, on the use of a defibrillator in medical emergencies.

The funding for the defibrillator was given by three local businesses - GD Harries and Sons of Templeton Princes Gate Spring Water and Narberth butchers, Andrew Rees and Sons. There was further support from Little Kings Holiday Park and The Sign Box of Templeton.

Members at St Elidyr's Church, Ludchurch, have also purchased a new battery so that a second defibrillator can be brought back into use at a different site in the village.

Said Dr Evans: "This is such an important matter in a rural area like outs. It's well known that defibrillators save lives.

"There has been huge support for this from the local community, and already dozens of people have attended training sessions on the use of the equipment.

Since its re-formation just 18 months ago, Ludchurch Village Committee has organised litter picks and other regular ground maintenance and tidying around the village, and set up a new rambling group which meets monthly and has organised two popular village barbecues.

The committee has also made real progress in its exciting plans to convert Longstone Chapel into a community centre, and a four-mile fun run around the village on Saturday September 30 is taking place in aid of the project, starting from Little Kings Holiday Park.