THE March Halwill Community Market was dedicated to raising funds for a defibrillator for the village.

The community emergency plan committee, a sub-committee of the parish council, is trying to raise enough money to buy a defibrillator and suitable casing which would be available to all in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Being a rural community the time to get an ambulance to a victim could be crucial. For every minute that passes without defibrillation, chances of survival decrease by 14%. Research shows that applying a controlled shock within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chances of survival.

Proceeds from the market were £400, an excellent start to the fundraising effort.

Jane Spencer of the market committee is shown presenting the cheque to John Russell, vice-chairman of the parish council, watched by Bob Piddington, vice-chairman of the community emergency plan committee and ward Cllr Barry Parsons.