A North East pub has been able to install a vital lifesaving equipment thanks to the efforts of residents.

Community pub, the George and Dragon in Yarm have had a defibrillator installed following the successful and fundraising and donation efforts of the venue's team and patrons.

The lifesaving equipment was fitted by the South Cleveland Heart Fund (SCHF), with one of its members, Dr Davies, teaching staff how to use the device in order to provide vital basic life-saving support skills.

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General manager Graeme Watson said he was proud the pub had access to this important piece of equipment which might save the life on one of Yarm's residents.

Speaking on the installation, he said: "As a community-focused venue, we are very humbled to have a defibrillator fitted at the George & Dragon.

"We understand the importance of having life-saving equipment readily available in the event of an emergency, and we take pride in knowing that our customers and individuals within Yarm have access to this vital resource.”

“Being at the heart of the local community is important to us and we are very lucky to have our customers who continually support us, and we try and do all we can for them.

"I am very thankful for all our customers and team members who have gone above and beyond to help us get this equipment for the site.”

Both Mr Watson and his wife Sarah, who works as the kitchen manager, were both taught how to use the defibrillator to provide lifesaving treatment to customers.

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Meanwhile, the SCHF operates across Teesside, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, and Durham.

The charity aims to support heart patients at St James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

It uses money obtained through fundraising and donations to support patients and pay for equipment such as the defibrillator the George & Dragon received.