A life-saving defibrillator has been unveiled in Gobowen.

Community groups the Three Parishes Big Local, STAR Housing, the Co-Op, and the British Heart Foundation came together to fundraise and apply for grants to fund the device which has been installed outside the Post Office.

It can be accessed 24/7.

Lucy Crane, area manager for the Co-op, said: “As a community retailer the Co-op is committed to making a difference locally and is delighted to have been able to support this appeal – we would like to thank our colleagues, members and customers locally for helping to raise vital funds and contributing towards the cost of installing this life saving equipment in our community.”

Gobowen Parish Council, which owns the defibrillator, is now arranging a training session for anyone who would like to learn how to use the device.

Amy Jones, parish clerk, commented: “As well as it being a condition of the British Heart Foundation grant, it is very important to train as many people as possible to use the defibrillator, should a situation arise where it is required to help save someone’s life."

The course will take place at Gobowen Pavillion on Saturday, April 14 from 11am and will last two hours.

Mike Lade, of Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Club which delivers the course, added: “This training is part of a community project that has been running around three years now to train as many people as possible, from Oswestry and surrounding areas, in CPR and using a defibrillator.

"To date, in excess of 200 people have been trained. The biggest fear that people have is that they are going to hurt somebody by using the defibrillator. This is not the case. You can do no harm but you can save a life”.

If you would like to book a place on the course, please email or call the parish clerk by emailing clerk@selattyn-gobowenpc.org.uk or calling 01691 829571.

The session is free but a donation is requested and attendees are asked to wear suitable, comfortable clothing to the training.