A LIFESAVING piece of medical equipment is to be installed in Otley following a successful campaign.

A fundraising drive by local publican and school governor Peter Jackson has brought in the £1,275 needed to have an easy-to-use, portable defibrillator set up near Ashfield Primary School.

Mr Jackson, who runs the Otley Tavern, was supported by Guiseley-based First Responder and founder of the Global First Aid Society, Brian Firth.

Mr Firth organised a fundraising first aid event at the school and also identified the most suitable Public Access AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for the area.

Designed with voice commands and screen messages so it can to be used by anybody, the equipment can make a critical difference to someone who has just suffered a cardiac arrest.

It will be the first of its kind north of the river, but Mr Jackson is also determined to keep fundraising to get more AEDs in place across the town.

He said: “I would like to thank Brian Firth for his professional input and assistance and Otley-based Brett Booth, in association with Global First Aid, for instructing in basic first aid.

“I would also like to thank Otley Town Council and Otley Lions for their support and donations to the fund.

“Through the information I have received, after speaking to professionals such as doctors and emergency service crews, I understand how one defibrillator can be a vital tool in emergency first aid during life-threatening incidents.

“I have decided to continue fundraising for additional defibrillators. If any businesses in Otley wish to make a donation, contact me on 07799 465070.”

Future fundraising training days are being lined up at a cost of £10 per person. For details contact Mr Jackson on the number above.