ALTON has a new defibrillator at the western end of town.

Located on the wall of the Methodist Church the potentially life saving device has been paid for in a combined project supported by Allsports Therapy, the Great Alton Project coffee morning and the Lions Club of Alton.

Earlier this year the Lions decided to use some of the money raised via their Supporters Club to put a third external defibrillator in the town.

At the same time, James Chuter and Ange Carter of Allsports Therapy, based at Results Health Club in the High Street, launched Defibruary – a four week exercise programme designed “to promote healthy living and a healthy heart”, teaming up with local businesses and organisations, like The Joneses dance studio, Results and Cardiac Rehab, for special fundraising sessions.

In the meantime, the Revd Philip Simpkins and members of the Methodist Church agreed that their building could be used to house the new defibrillator.

Alton Lions organised for the purchase and installation of the machine, and the church will maintain it.

A life saving device, a defibrillator gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest wall to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

Clear instructions are printed on the front of the cabinet defibrillator, next to a key-pad for people to follow in the case of an emergency.

First people should dial 999, then keep calm and follow the instructions.

The first defibrillator, paid for by the Lions, is located next to the entrance to Alton Assembly Rooms in the High Street, and the second is to the right-hand side of the entrance to Alton Community Centre. Both are available to the public day and night.