TWO life-saving devices have been bought for Crewkerne in memory of a father who died after a sudden heart attack.

The defibrillators were declared open in the South Somerset town after years of fundraising – despite heavy snow threatening proceedings.

Funds were raised by a group of six friends – Jane Naughton, Kim Duller, Louise Warry, Phillipa Coleman, Tracey Smith and Sian Greaves.

They were inspired to get a defibrillator after the tragic death of Louise’s dad in 2016.

Kim Duller said: “Touched by the sad passing of the dad of our friend Louise Warry, us ladies got together with the aim to raise funds for a defib in the village.

“This was in August 2016.

“We did the normal kind of things; cooked our hearts out at a couple of village breakfasts, a coffee morning, applied for a grant from the parish council received donations and in kind support from residents, the WI, Waitrose, Avon and Somerset and Taunton and Street Police cadets.

“Before we knew it, we had exceeded our target expectation and when asked if we could raise more for a second one for our recreation ground, we rose to the challenge.

“So, with some additional funds from a Yeovil Town veterans challenge match, held in the village, a charity clay pigeon shoot organised by Warren Trust (Coombe Farm), we were able to buy two.”

The group has also organised CPR training and defibrillator familiarisation sessions for residents.

The first defibrillator was launched at the recreation ground and it was opened by Paul Thorpe, an ex-Yeovil Town Player, and Guy Coleman, joint managing director of the AH Warren Trust.

The second defibrillator was then launched by Louise Warry at their local pub village pub, The Muddled Man.