An iconic red telephone box in north Dorset has become home to a piece of life-saving medical equipment.

The red box on Cheap Street, outside Sherborne Post Office, is now a community public access defibrillator (cPAD).

The defibrillator, available 24/7, has been launched by local business and organisations who have supported the £3,000 project.

Designed to give confidence to those attending a casualty, the defibrillator provides real-time voice instruction to help responders deliver high-quality CPR.

Local business, Girlings Complete Hearing, kick-started the project in September 2021 by making a £500 funding pledge and a commitment to manage the project.

Nicola Girling, said: “As hearing healthcare providers, we didn’t think twice about supporting this new health resource for the town.

"Naturally, we hope the defibrillator isn’t needed, but it’s reassuring to know it is available round the clock for anybody experiencing a cardiac emergency”.

The kiosk was formally adopted by Sherborne Town Council through BT’s ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme.

Town Clerk, Steve Shield, said: “The Town Council is delighted to support this excellent initiative for the best interests of the local community.

"The installation of more potentially life-saving equipment, in such a prominent location in the town, is invaluable for residents, local businesses and visitors alike”.

Among businesses and organisations to pledge large amounts of money were Midwest the Stationers and The Friends of Yeatman Hospital (who contributed £1,740).