A new life-saving defibrillator has been unveiled in Phelps Parade, Calne, this week.

The heart resuscitation device is one of many which have been donated to community groups across the region by the South Western Ambulance Service and is now housed in a purpose-built cabinet.

The cabinet is heated, to keep the battery at the correct temperature for safe operation.

The mayor, Heather Canfer, said: “This is another amazing piece of equipment that will be available to the Calne community, should ever it be needed.

“We do hope that the community looks after it. Our staff will ensure that it is serviced and maintained and it sits beneath one of our CCTV cameras, so we can keep a watchful eye.”

The defibrillator delivers an electrical current through the chest, which aims to shock the heart into a normal rhythm following a cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest can be caused by many things, including heart attacks, strokes and major trauma.

Early defibrillation for patients in can make all the difference to the outcome.