A CROSS Hills company is continuing its roll-out of public defibrillator donations across the district.

Earlier this year, Airedale Chemical bequeathed one of the lifesaving devices to Farnhill.

Now the family-owned Skipton Road firm has presented a machine to Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council.

The defibrillator – accessible for use by the public – has been installed at Glusburn Institute, in Colne Road, on the wall facing the car park.

Daniel Fox, operations director at Airedale Chemical, said: “We are committed to supporting our surrounding communities, so as part of our donation scheme we approached Glusburn and Cross Hills Parish Council about installing a public access defibrillator at its base.

“It’s an incredibly worthwhile cause which we’re proud to contribute to.”

Councillor Philip Baker, the parish council chairman, welcomed the donation and voiced his thanks.

“We’re very grateful to the Airedale Chemical team for getting in touch about the defibrillator ,” he said.

“Heart problems are a rising issue and our community can be comforted by the fact we now have one of the devices on site.

“Defibrillation within three to five minutes after cardiac arrest can produce survival rates as high as 50 to 70 per cent.

“Our unit comes with instructions that allow anyone to operate the device and potentially save a life.”

The donation was made through the company’s charitable arm, the Airedale Foundation.

It is responsible for Airedale Chemical’s waste-reduction scheme, sports sponsorships and community and education initiatives.

As part of its community support, the firm last year gave Cross Hills’ public loos an industrial-strength clean and agreed to return to the Main Street block every six months to repeat the free treatment.

And earlier this year, it launched a partnership with Sutton Community Primary School.

Pupils had their science lessons brought to life with a visit to the company’s base, where they took part in experiments.

And laboratory technician Madeleine Lofthouse visited year-four youngsters in the classroom.

The link-up was part of celebrations marking Airedale Chemical’s 25 years in the village.

The firm was established in 1973.

Formerly based at Cottingley, it expanded to its current site under the late chairman and founder, Brian Chadwick.

The move was aimed at accommodating growing demand from its textiles customers, to whom it supplied dyes as well as an expanding portfolio of industrial chemicals.

Today, the firm – which employs more than 130 people – is recognised as one of the fastest-growing chemical manufacturers.

It supplies industries including food and drink, manufacturing, brewing, agriculture, dairy and water treatment.

Uniquely, the company owns and operates its own chemical transportation fleet.

Its accredited manufacturing plant facilitates operations such as mixing, blending, chemical reaction and product development.

For more details about the Airedale Foundation, visit airedalechemical.com/about/csr.