A VILLAGE in south-west Herefordshire has a new defibrillator for the community after the local Fire station teamed up with the parish council.

This lifesaving piece of kit was installed at Ewyas Harold fire station after the parish council and Sue Watkins, treasurer for Hereford and Worcester First Responder Group, provided funding.

After identifying an "urgent need" for a defibrillator in the village the parish council explored opportunities and despite setbacks due to recent flooding and the current coronavirus pandemic, the new defibrillator has now been installed.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said the need had become clear in view of one end of the village being slightly remote from the main hub, with an ageing demographic and further housing developments planned.

The new defib represents the village's fourth defibrillator, the others being outside the Memorial Hall, the Golden Valley Practice Doctor's surgery and The Pavilion.

People needing access to them should ring 999 and give the post code on the box, to receive the code to unlock the cabinet.

Station commander Adrian Thompson said: "Achieving the new defib is an excellent step forward for the village.

"There have been numerous hurdles to negotiate in these troubled times, but the end result could potentially save someone's life in the village.

"Ewyas Harold has a really strong bond with their local fire station and we're delighted we could help make it happen.

"I should also pay tribute to Nicky Jauncey and Marcos Hitchman of Place Partnership who supported us throughout."