A POTENTIAL life-saving device is now in place in Haworth's historic Main Street, thanks to a successful fundraising effort by two local organisations.

The defibrillator machine has been installed outside the Visitor Centre at the top of the street, courtesy of a joint initiative between Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary Club and Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council.

The council's own environment committee funded the actual installation, while the money for both the cabinet and the defibrillator was collected by Rotary club members

Councillor Angel Kershaw, chairman of the environment committee, said: “We are very grateful to the rotary club for raising this money, and for benefitting our community with this life-saving piece of equipment.

"Ambulance responses here in Haworth aren’t what they are in the centre of a city, and every moment counts when someone goes into cardiac arrest. This defibrillator is an important facility to aid those who need emergency treatment.

"It’s easy to use, as someone only has to follow the voice commands given by the defibrillator.

"However, it is hoped to attract local volunteers who live close to the equipment, and who will receive training from the Ambulance Service to provide more skilled assistance, if required."

Any person interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Cllr Kershaw on 07765 555104.

The defibrillator is designed not to deliver a shock if it detects a heartbeat, so people will not run the risk of accidentally using it on someone who is still breathing.

Anyone in this part of Haworth who dials 999 and reports a possible cardiac arrest will be directed to the defibrillator by the emergency operator, and given the code to open the cabinet.

They will then be able to remove the defibrillator from the cabinet and take it to the patient.

Gordon Green, of Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary Club, said “Our club received a grant from Bradford-based Sovereign Health Care to be used for a health-related project within the local community.

"The provision of a defibrillator in the busy centre of Haworth seemed to us to be an appropriate project.

"With further financial assistance from the Keighley Area Office of Bradford Council’s Community Chest fund, the parish council and the club’s own funds, we've achieved our aim, which will provide reassurance to the local community and visitors alike.

"We are very pleased this has now been installed, and is ready to use, if and when needed."

The parish council has now been provided with a licence for the defibrillator and will take on the responsibility of maintaining and checking it to ensure it is always ready for use.