A veterinary practice has celebrated its first anniversary in Weymouth by unveiling a potentially life-saving piece of equipment.

Dave Cumber Vets has now been at Link Park in Chickerell for just over a year having relocated there in November 2016, when staff started working towards acquiring a lifesaving human defibrillator to be installed on the facility.

In less than a year, enough funds were raised to purchase the £1500 defibrillator from Medipost (UK) Ltd, based in the Granby Estate, which has now been installed on site.

The team raised funds for the defibrillator during an open day at the surgery in August last year, when more than 280 people were treated to tours of the facility.

Dave Cumber said: “We raised a brilliant £689 at the open day and we also received a donation from DJ Property towards the defibrillator equipment. I would like to thank everyone who contributed towards the installation of this much needed equipment at Link Park.”

Dave Cumber Vets, which also has a surgery in Dorchester, is sponsoring this year’s BIG Weymouth Walkies dog walking event on Sunday, March 25. The event is aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership by encouraging regular exercise for dogs and pet owners.

The event will start at 10.30am at the Pavilion end of Weymouth beach and all are welcome to head along. Dog friendly refreshments will be served and free dog poo bags will be handed out. Pet food, supplies and goody bags will be also be on offer. All donations will go towards Margaret Green Animal Rescue.