COUNCILLORS are celebrating efforts to save lives in Thornbury with the installation of a new defibrillator.

The life-saving device, which is located on the side of the pavilion on the Mundy Playing Fields, was installed on August 16 by the town council at a cost of £4,000.

It is the third of its kind in Thornbury with the others being located at the leisure centre and in St Mary Shopping Centre, the latter of which is reportedly the most used of its type in the South West.

In the event of an emergency, users can dial 999 and will be provided with instructions on how to use the device while waiting ambulance to arrive.

Thornbury mayor, Cllr Helen Harrison, said: “Thornbury Town Council feels that it is important to provide this essential emergency equipment as locally as possible which can make a such a difference in those precious few minutes in a life or death situation.

“We are happy to support initiatives like this which help to make our community a safer place, expanding defibrillator coverage in Thornbury for residents and visitors alike.”

A free community training session is being hosted by Thornbury Town Council to give groups and members of the public a better understanding of how to use the defibrillator in an emergency.

The event will take place at the Mundy Playing Fields pavilion on Monday, September 26 at 6.30pm.

To book a place, or for more information, call 01454 412103 or email info@thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk