A PRIMARY school has got its finger on the pulse, with the installation of a new defibrillator.

Beckers Green Primary School in Braintree has had the piece of lifesaving equipment installed on the premises, but also want to share it with the local community.

As part of their PE curriculum, the school deliver the British heart Foundation Heartstart course, which teaches all children how to treat a conscious casualty, an unconscious casualty, choking, serious bleeding, heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Many pupils have put the skills they have learned at school into practice at home since.

The school were very keen to have one on the premises and the defibrillator was bought with donations received from staff at the school and extended Beckers Green family.

David Stocker, a parent and British Heart Foundation instructor, donated his time to come into the school and train staff.

The defibrillator has been registered with the ambulance service so anyone who needs one in the vicinity will be directed to the school office to collect it.

Claire Smyth, acting headteacher of Beckers Green Primary School, said: "We are so proud to have this incredible piece of equipment and to share it with the Beckers Green Community – we hope it will never be needed – but if it ever is, we hope it can make a real difference."

The school are also encouraging people who live locally to come into the school and receive some basic training with Mr Stocker.

For more information contact the school on: 01376 322687.