Life-saving medical equipment has been installed at a community hub in West Malvern.

A defibrillator is now in place at West Malvern Club Ltd, off Lower Road.

And free training will be taking place next month for anyone who wants to know how to use it.

County councillor Natalie McVey part-funded the purchase of the equipment from her divisional funds.

She said: “A few months ago, Nigel Blake, manager of West Malvern Club Ltd, approached me to discuss the idea of installing a defibrillator at the club.

“We both agreed that the location was an excellent one, being central in a village well known for its hilly terrain.

“The club is extremely well used by a wide range of people for a number of social events, some of them physical.

“The nearest defibrillator is at West Malvern Village Hall, which would be too far in an emergency situation.

“I provided £1,000 from my Worcestershire County Council Divisional Fund, the rest of the funding was provided by West Malvern Parish Council.

“Ongoing maintenance and running costs will be covered by West Malvern Club Ltd.”

The British Heart Foundation says the combination of performing CPR and using a defibrillator can give someone the best possible chance of survival if they’ve suffered a cardiac arrest.

But the devices need to be found as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency - the charity says for every minute it takes for the defibrillator to reach someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival lower.

Free training is being provided by West Malvern Club Ltd on Tuesday, August 15 at 2pm. All are welcome and places can be booked by contacting Nigel at the club.

West Malvern Club Ltd opened in May 2021. It was formerly the West Malvern Royal British Legion Club, which had first opened in the village in 1953.