A COMMUNITY group is celebrating after raising enough to pay for a lifesaving piece of equipment.

Last year the Rhydymwyn and Hendre Village Community group announced the installation of a defibrillator at Rhydymwyn Football Club.

The group then made a commitment to have a machine in both villages.

And last week that goal was achieved - with the installation of a second machine at the Oak – Y Dderwen.

The presentation of the machine was followed by two training sessions given by Bradley Williams, a Welsh Hearts volunteer.

Ian Smith, chairman of the Rhydymwyn and Hendre Village Community group, told the Leader he wants to let residents know both machines are now available to be used should the need arise.

He said: "I'm very proud and humbled that what is effectively a tiny community has managed to raise £3,000 in two years to get both machines - they are proven lifesavers.

"We have no plans to get another defibrillator - the original promise was made by Gareth Hughes whilst he was chair of the community group.

"We have now sent out a message to the community via Facebook and by email to ask what they think the next priority should be.

"We'd like to say a big thanks to Bradley Williams from Welsh Hearts - it was a pleasure to meet him and attend his training sessions."

Defibrillators give a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest.

The high energy shock is called defibrillation and it is an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who is in cardiac arrest.

Anyone who needs to use either device in Rhydymwyn or Hendre can call 999.

The Welsh Ambulance Service will then release the cabinet code number to allow access to the device.