THE Forum in Northallerton has installed a heart defibrillator thanks to financial assistance from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The life-saving equipment has been placed in a cabinet outside the centre where it can be used by staff and all members of the community, whether they are using the Forum, its car park or just passing by.

The funding has also enabled staff and volunteers to take advantage of awareness in life-saving techniques sessions. The Forum will be responsible for the defibrillator’s upkeep and maintenance.

Chair of the trustees Anne Wall said: “We are very grateful to members of the public who voted for us to receive the funding and to the Co-op Local Community Fund for running the scheme.

“The board were keen to purchase this equipment as another example of our commitment to our local community and to its wellbeing.

"We were pleased that a large number of volunteers turned up for the awareness session along with Forum staff, giving people the confidence to act if necessary in an emergency."