Southfield Junior School in Highworth recently received a new defibrillator after spending months raising the money to pay for it.

Pupils and staff sent letters to locals to drum up support and were thrilled with the generous replies.

The school held a non-uniform day, a cake sale and a plant sale to boost their fundraising total higher.

IT teacher Ruth Law was in charge of raising money for the defibrillator.

She said: "After our last First Aid course and reading prominent press reports, we realised how important a defibrillator was for all members of our school community.

"We began fundraising for an AED for Southfield School in May and we are pleased to say that it has now arrived.

"It's a fantastic achievement in such a short time.

We contacted Councillor Keith Smith, who gave us hints and tips on who in the community to contact for help.

"Letters were sent off and we were amazed with the support we were shown - what a wonderful community we have!"

The school would like to thank the parents who supported all their fundraising events, as well as the United Reformed Church, The Lions Charity and Highworth United Charities for their donations, and also the school's caretaker for baking 270 cakes and potting up 40 geraniums to sell.

Ruth added: "During our fundraising, many people asked ‘why do you want an AED in school, when there is one at the Council Rooms?’

"The answer is, the closer the AED to the patient then the greater the chance of survival.

"Our defibrillator is portable and can also be taken to sporting events."