LOCAL people in Dorstone know their hearts are in good hands after local fuel and lubricant distributor, OJ Williams, donated £300 to help them buy a weather-proof cabinet for the village’s defibrillator.

The life-saving equipment is situated outside Dorstone’s Front Room, a central social hub which was set up after the closure of the local post office.

As the defibrillator, donated by the British Heart Foundation, is located outside, it needs protection from the elements. Thanks to the donation from OJ Williams, the village’s defibrillator will stay safe and dry in its cabinet, whatever the weather.

British Heart Foundation figures state that when somebody goes into cardiac arrest, every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation reduces chance of survival by 10%. As Dorstone is a fairly isolated rural community, this equipment could make all the difference in an emergency.

Kevin Harford, regional manager of OJ Williams, said: “We are proud to serve the Dorstone community and jumped at the opportunity to help keep its defibrillator protected.

“Having this vital equipment in a central location in the community will hopefully give local people peace of mind – it could save somebody’s life one day.”

John Platts, who is on the management committee of Dorstone’s Front Room, said: “Our little hub really is the ‘front room’ of the community, so it’s the perfect place to keep the defibrillator.

“We’re so grateful this donation has allowed us to keep our defibrillator in a place where it’s accessible to everyone in an emergency.”

For more information on OJ Williams, visit: http://www.ojwilliams.co.uk. For more information on Dorstone’s Front Room, visit: www.dorstonesfrontroom.org.uk.