A new defibrillator which has been installed on Portland will help to save lives, St John Ambulance says.

A portable defibrillator – designed to deliver a shock to the heart when a patient suffers a cardiac arrest – has been installed on the outside wall of the Portland unit’s HQ building.

The life-saving equipment was bought using money donated by Renee Trim in her will, and the new defribillator was unveiled last week.

Welcoming the defibrillator were the island’s St John Ambulance adult volunteers, Badgers and Cadets, along with family, friends, and numerous dignitaries and representatives from community groups and local businesses.

The first aid charity’s oldest and youngest volunteers – Unit President Arthur Copus and Badger Seth Yates – revealed the cabinet from beneath a St John flag, then unit manager Terry Shakespeare and her team gave demonstrations of how to access and use the equipment inside.

Community fundraising coordinator Kevin Dickens said: "Donations like this are vital to St John Ambulance’s work and this defibrillator could save lives.

"We are extremely grateful to Mrs Trim for her generosity and lasting legacy for the benefit of people on Portland, which may be one of the more remote locations where we have volunteers, but remains absolutely at the heart of our work in Dorset."

St John Ambulance is a charity that steps forward in the moments that matter to save lives and support community.

The charity’s volunteers, volunteers keep people safe at events nationwide, springing into action to help with medical incidents and emergencies.

St John Ambulance also helps the NHS by responding to some 999 calls, and transporting patients safely.

Every year around 500,000 people, including children and young people, learn how to save a life through the charity’s first aid training.

For more information on St John Ambulance’s work, including how to become a volunteer and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.