SANDFORD Parish Hall has acquired a new defibrillator for use by local residents and hall users by applying for a "Match Funding" grant through London Hearts.

The defibrillator, in a bright yellow lit up box, is located to the left of the Parish Hall main entrance door.

Mike Snow from Sandford Parish Hall explained: "We were able to raise the £750 required to receive this Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at no cost to the Parish Hall but thought this was a vital contact point for anyone to use in an emergency.

"For security, a code is required to gain access to the defibrillator by calling 999 and asking for the defibrillator PIN at Sandford Parish Hall.

"We do plan to let regular event users know the PIN for added safety whilst holding sessions in the hall.

"The Hall committee would like to thank the generosity of the local organisations, ‘The Crossing’ £325, Sandford Parish Council, £150 and a local resident who kindly gifted us £325 which enabled us to purchase and install the defibrillator.

"A defibrillator awareness session has been arranged for Sunday, April 21 at the Parish Hall between 3pm and 4pm. The session can take up to 35 people. To book please contact Emma Healey at: [email protected] ."