Members of Chipperfield Parish Council and a number of organisations came together to this week to celebrate the launch of the village’s first defibrillator.

Situated on the outside wall of the Two Brewers Hotel in in The Common, the defibrillator was switched on at an event on Monday, June 29.

The portable machine was supplied by the East of England Hospital trust - and the hotel provided the necessary electric connections - to allow members of the public to access it on a DIY concept by dialling 999 and then being given the location and code to open the box.

The machine can then be taken to where the person in need of it is, then talks the user through each stage of operation.

Manager of the hotel, Jamie Peoples, said: "It is all part of our company policy of being good neighbours in the village."

Councillor Peter Ingram added: "The parish council have an ongoing duty to improve safety in Chipperfield wherever they can, both for local people and others.

"We believe this is a wise improvement of public funds that can help to save lives."