Youngsters at Colerne Colts Football Club are celebrating the installation of its new defibrillator for use by the whole community.

The club campaigned to raise funds for the life-saving device after 14-year-old Bradford Town player Quinton Barham suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Bromham in February.

His life was saved by quick-thinking first aiders, who used a portable defibrillator to shock his heart back into action, and now the village has a device of its own.

Club manager Paul Carey said: “Hearing about Quinton’s story, who played in the same league as us, brought home to us just how serious sudden cardiac arrest can be without early intervention.

“There are defibrillators in the area but not with immediate easy access, and we realised the importance of placing a public-access defibrillator that can be accessed by all.

“We targeted £1,600 to be raised, which was the total cost of the machine. We had sponsors from the community and we held a village sports day in July, which ended up raising £1,700.”

Tamsin Glendenning, the club’s head of fundraising, said: “It was a great day; it promoted the importance of community spirit, fun and exercise, with people of all ages involved in events including a 5k cross-country run, fun races for all the family and stalls and demonstrations supported by all the local clubs in the village.”

Mr Carey said: “Everybody chipped in for the sports day, and now the defibrillator is there for everybody. Anyone can access it, from sports clubs to the general community. The village sports day was such a success we are going to try to run it annually now, and work with other clubs.

“The club has only been going three years, but it’s already going from strength to strength; we’re looking for more coaches and under-ten players in particular, but everyone’s welcome.”

For more information about the club, email paul@fc colernecolts.co.uk