A DEFIBRILLATOR will be installed outside a school which has agreed to house it.

Upon the agreement of headteachers at The Stanway School, the life-saving machine could be available to the public as soon as £1.6k is raised.

Campaigners on behalf of Colchester Community First Responders have launched an appeal to raise money for the installation and to cover the cost of servicing it for eight years.

Martin Ford, a first responder, said: "Having access to defibrillators saves lives.

"We hope people will support the appeal and together we can save more lives.’’

British Heart Foundation statistics show almost 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases happen in UK each year, but fewer than one in ten survive.

Jonathan Bland, co-headteacher at The Stanway School, said: “The staff, students and local governing body are always seeking opportunities for The Stanway School to be a hub for our community.’’

Noting the installation would allow Stanway residents immediate help, he gave his support and thanks to those who have already contributed towards the cost of the defibrillator.

Jeremy Hagon, campaigner and Stanway Action Team member, said: “I know from personal experience how important it is for people who are taken ill to receive the fastest possible medical care. Minutes matter."

An access code for the locked cabinet will be given by a 999 operator in the event of an emergency.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/defib-for-stanway.