Another new defibrillator has been handed over to the community of Addingham after a fundraising event in memory of a villager.

Addingham resident Tony Gaunt, who was in his early 50s, died of a heart attack last year.

A collection held at his well-attended funeral raised enough money to pay for a defibrillator for installation at the new Addingham scouts and football pavilion.

Now another defibrillator has been bought, this time installed at Addingham Memorial Hall, Main Street, following an event held in memory of Mr Gaunt.

A memorial domino competition was held last year at a sell-out evening at Memorial Hall in memory of Tony Gaunt, organised by his close friend John Mawson, to support Addingham Responders and Heartstart again.

An impressive sum in excess of £1,500 was raised, including over £400 from a sponsored head shave of two of his closest friends David Thompson and David Bellamy.

Susan Mortimer, Mr Gaunt’s sister and Paul Gaunt, his brother, presented the funds to Alan Davies, co-ordinator of the group who expressed his deep gratitude for their support and the support from all of his friends.

The funds have enabled another defibrillator to be purchased which is now installed in The Memorial Hall and which was officially handed over to Alan Jerome, parish councillor, at a ceremony on Saturday (March 22).

A plaque in memory of Tony Gaunt was put up next to the defibrillator.

Three lives have been saved in Addingham and Ilkley in the last three years by a member of the public skilled in the use of defibrillators and Emergency Life Support.

Mr Davies appealled to people to become trained - two courses per month are held at The Addingham Medical Centre free of charge.

To book a course telephone the Medical Centre on (01943) 830367 or direct to Alan Davies on (01943) 839750 for social groups, societies or organisations who would like a specific course.