Silsden residents can receive training on Saturday in how to use defibrillators.

Town councillor Lawrence Walton has organised the session at St James’s Church Hall, from 2.30pm to 4pm.

The initiative follows a decision by the council to buy a defibrillator for use by the public in the town centre.

Town mayor, Councillor Chris Atkinson, said the defibrillator will have a special case so it can be stored on the wall of St James’s Church and be available 24 hours a day.

He said: “That case will protect it from the weather and keep the defibrillator warm so it is ready for immediate use.

“It is important as many people as possible learn how to use defibrillators. Luckily, they are virtually automatic.”

The two councillors recently visited Addingham, which has five public defibrillators, for emergency first aid training. Coun Walton added: “It is important to ensure Silsden has this important resource as it saves lives.”