THE village of Sticklepath now has a defibrillator thanks to the support of villagers and generous contributions from local benefactors.

Funding for the life-saving piece of equipment came from Devon County Councillor James McInnes’ Locality Fund and RES UK (owners of Den Brook wind farm).

The defibrillator is in the old telephone kiosk opposite the Devonshire Inn.

Following permission from the landlady of the Devonshire Inn, on whose land it sits, the kiosk was bought from BT and restored by Norman Heslop using paint donated by the British Coatings Federation. Dave Stallion fitted the electrical supply to the defibrillator.

Thanks were expressed by Sticklepath Parish Council to both Norman and David as they provided their time free of charge.

When someone calls 999, they will be told there is a defibrillator in the local phone box.

The kiosk also houses an emergency satellite phone which will connect the caller directly to the emergency services.

Once the electrode pads are attached to a casualty, the defibrillator will identify if a shock is needed and will instruct the rescuer using step-by-step voice and video instructions.

An opening ceremony was held on Friday.

Derek Moore, chair of Sticklepath Parish Council, spoke of the support shown by many people and organisations, to enable the village to achieve its goal.

The ribbon was cut by vice chair of Sticklepath Parish Council Alison Cruse, who instigated the project and led the installation.