A PUBLIC defibrillator has been installed in a village thanks to the generosity of donations.

Cockerton Community and Business Group (CCBG) yesterday held the official opening ceremony for the new defibrillator, which has been attached to the Cockerton Library building.

Money to install the equipment was donated by Cockerton Club, who paid for the full £1,500 cost of instalment.

Fran Smith, Manager at Cockerton Club, said: "It’s very important so we donated the money to help the community.

"They mentioned they were going to do some fundraising so we decided we would donate some money towards it."

Members of CCBG gathered for the opening ceremony, including Cockerton Fisheries, First for Flowers, Mortgage Advice Centre and Cockerton Green Scouts.

Kay Sandham, of Cockerton Community and Business Group, who organised the opening ceremony, said: "We're really grateful to Cockerton Club for the donation. This is a big thing for the village and it's in a place that is accessible for everyone.

"Because of Cockerton Club's kind donation we are now able to concentrate on other community projects, like the memorial."

Samantha Todd, owner of Cockerton Fisheries said: “It’s certainly brought the village a community feel.

“We had lots of meetings to decide which is the best place to put it.

"The library is a good central point to have the defibrillator.

"Because of the footfall of people along the high street we thought this would be the best place."

CCBG was formed by local residents and business who came together with the aim of engaging Cockerton's community.

They organise the annual Christmas tree and are currently raising money for a memorial commemorating those fallen in past and modern conflicts.

Steven Raine, who works at First for flowers on West Auckland Road in Cockerton, said: “Sometimes I think Cockerton is underrated. It’s a massive community area.

"This hopefully will help the people in Cockerton and people in the surrounding areas."

More information about the group and its projects can be found at facebook.com/CockertonCommunityandBusinessGroup/