DEFIBRILLATORS are to be installed at Marks & Spencer stores including Keighley.

The lifesaving devices are being provided at 25 branches across the region after staff took part in fundraising events, culminating with a fun run in York.

In total, the campaign – held in partnership with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service Charitable Fund – raised £32,000.

More than 250 M&S staff were involved.

Andrew Crooks, for the company, said: "We were delighted to be part of such an important initiative.

"It was fantastic to see so many employees all around the region take part in the fun run to raise money."

Ben Rushworth, for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, thanked M&S for its support and stressed the importance of defibrillators.

"Having easy access to one means that immediate lifesaving care can be provided in an emergency situation – such as cardiac arrest – in the vital minutes before the ambulance arrives," he said.

"Anyone calling 999 to report a cardiac arrest nearby will be directed to the device by the ambulance operator. Defibrillators are simple and safe to use, with the machine giving clear spoken instructions.

"We know that in many medical emergencies the first few minutes are critical and if effective treatment can be performed straightaway, lives can be saved and disability reduced."