MEMBERS of a village community and other supporters have been thanked after a new defibrillator was put in place in a bid to save lives.

The defibrillator is located on the outside of the Orsett Churches Centre on High Road.

It is available 24/7 and has been registered with the East of England Ambulance Service.

Anyone in the Orsett area that dials 999 to report a sudden cardiac arrest (SCR) will be told its location and given the unlock code for the cabinet.

The device is easy to use and gives clear, easy to follow audio instructions so it is suitable for an untrained user.

Peter Still is one of those behind getting the machine installed and says: "Thanks to the following organisations who contributed funds to purchase and install the AED - At your Convenience Store, Orsett; Orsett and Bulphan Falcon Beaver Scout Colony; Orsett Community Forum; Orsett in Bloom; Orsett Pickwick Club; Page Tipping Ltd; Rotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley; Smarthome and W Howard & Son.

"Thanks also to the trustees of Orsett Churches Centre for agreeing to host the defibrillator.

"I would like to raise a virtual three cheers for all the work Lesley did in researching, collecting and negotiating with all these parties to get this important equipment installed."