Mabe has it's first potentially lifesaving defibrillator following a successful money raising appeal in the village, although the group behind it say there is more work still to be done.

The village's first public access defibrillator (PAD) has been installed at the Community Hall in Cunningham Park, with the help of SW Electrical Solutions and Norman Trebilcock of the Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust (FLEET).

The full cost of the unit has been met by villagers and donations through an online fundraising page, and now the fundraisers are hoping to continue their momentum and buy a second unit.

Keith Bryant, of Mabe PAD Appeal 2016, said: "Now the village must push on, to raise the necessary funding to purchaser a second unit needed at the Post Office, where at present there is a collection box for contributions."

The defibrillator will have its official launch Saturday, September 3, during a coffee morning being held to raise funds for the Community Hall, and there will be training during October for anyone who is interested.

The unit is complete with instructions, and is programmed to tell even an untrained operator how, why and when to use it, as well as monitoring the condition of the patient and sending that information to medical staff.

Access is controlled by South West Ambulance Service who must be contacted via 999, and can then open the green box for someone to use the unit.

Bryan added: "Mabe Parish Council has supported the project and agreed to maintain the units for the next few years, with Mabe Youth and Community project accommodating the installation with access 24/7, along with the power and internet connections."

To donate to the fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/mypcPADappeal