More Oswestry people became trained lifesavers recently thanks to the Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Club's community project to get as many residents as possible trained in the use of a defibrillator and in CPR.

Working with community first responder Effie Cadwallader, the team from the National Farmers' Union office in Salop Road, were put through their paces in the practical sessions where they had chance to learn about and practice cardiac compression and use of the defibrillator.

Defibrillator “Public Access Defibrillator” sites are popping up all the time in Oswestry and the surrounding villages in wall mounted boxes and even “retired” telephone kiosks in some of the villages.

President Ron Pugh said: “Since the project started a few years ago we have trained approaching 600 residents in the basic lifesaving skills. The ability to do good CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and apply a defibrillator when required is so important in this day and age.

"We just never know when we may be called upon to save a loved one or total stranger."

Cambrian Rotary co-ordinator and retired community first responder, Mike Lade added: “It is so important that people have the ability to use CPR and have the confidence to use a defibrillator.

"Defibrillators can not cause any harm. They tell you exactly what to do, they will not let you do anything the machine doesn’t want you to do."