A joint initiative in Whitchurch has brought a life-saving device to one of the town’s biggest residential areas.

Whitchurch Alport Juniors Football Club has teamed up with local haulage firm and Whitchurch's biggest employer, Grocontinental, to bring a new defibrillator to the Queensway Playing Fields.

The life-saving device will service the popular park and the many homes that surround it.

Alport Juniors, who regularly use the football pitch at the site, have donated the defibrillator machine which is used in the event of sudden cardiac arrest and Grocontinental has funded a special robust case required to house the equipment. The case includes a special heating mechanism to keep the machine in the very best condition because it’s located outdoors.

Barry Hale, chairman of Queensway Playing Fields Association joined Grocontinental’s managing director, Linda Grocott, and Rob Foster, chairman of Whitchurch Alport Juniors to view the equipment following its installation.

Acknowledging the generous donation, Barry Hale said: “We are very grateful to Whitchurch Alport and Grocontinental for their team effort to get the defibrillator installed.

"I am sure it will bring peace-of-mind to the many people who use the playing fields and the residents who live close to the park.”

The defibrillator is located on a fence close to the main entrance to the playing fields.

Full usage instructions are listed on the defibrillator’s cabinet.