Blunsdon Parish Council now has a defibrillator and plans to place it in the centre of the village next to the Village Hall.

The parish secured the defibrillator with the help of the British Heart Foundation. It is now looking to install the life-saving machine as soon as possible.

Councillor Alan Bishop of Blunsdon and Highworth donated £500 towards its installation.

His connection with the Highworth Lodge of the Freemasons helped secure the funds. The Freemasons raise money to then help give to worthy causes.

Ian Jankinson, chairman of the Blunsdon Parish Council, said: “The council would like to thank Alan and the Lodge for their generous donation.

“The defibrillator will help protect and hopefully save the lives of the residents of Blunsdon.

“Our plan is to train all parish councillors and willing volunteers who work at the community shop in the village about the simple operation of the machine.”

Around 270 children die in the UK every year after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at school and without immediate treatment the chance of you surviving decreases by 10 per cent for every minute.

According to the Defibshop website, excluding in hospitals, approximately 80 per cent of cardiac arrests occur at home and the other 20 per cent will occur in public places.

Residents in Wiltshire can learn how to use first aid defibrillator training by visiting http://www.wiltshirefirstaid.co.uk/external-defibrillator