A LIFESAVING piece of equipment has been installed in Winsham thanks to the fundraising efforts of one teenage girl.

Rosie Clampett, 16, has raised more than £1,200 in the last six months to pay for the purchase and installation of a defibrillator in her village.

Rosie’s proud mum Jenny told the Chard and Ilminster News: “Rosie got the idea through her volunteer work that she does through St John Ambulance.

“Rosie has been with St John since she was eight years old. She is now a peer educator and has achieved her Grand Prior and will be taking her level four first aid in the summer holidays.”

Rosie was £400 short of her target, and so held a coffee morning recently to give her a much-needed boost.

During the coffee morning, which raised £407, Rosie showed members of the village the new equipment.

The defibrillator came through the British Heart Foundation and members of the public could sign up for classes that Rosie will be giving in June after her GCSEs.

“The fundraising has been amazing,” Jenny added.

“Rosie has received great support from our local landlord and lady of the Bell Tony and Terri plus the children and parents from Winsham School who have all helped in fundraising for this vital equipment.”

Jenny gave a special thank you to people who she said made this possible.

They included Tony and Terri Laws-Spindler of The Bell pub, Winsham School, Ann Bevis, Julian Dorse, Tesco Chard and Fancy That Cakes from Beaminster.

The new automated external defibrillator (AED) will be located on the outside wall of the Bell pub in Winsham.