FUNDS for another four publicly-accessible defibrillators have been raised by Otley Lions.

The club has been fundraising for the past year in support of a bid, led by town councillor Peter Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield), to get more of the life-saving devices installed in the area.

They have now told Cllr Jackson he can go ahead and buy new AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for Cross Green Community Centre, Kirkgate, Boroughgate and Bridge Street.

Otley Lions secretary and publicity officer, Stephen Bellerby, said: "Our president, Eric Booth's, project this year is to further the number of defibrillators in the town centre and surrounding area.

"Working closely with Peter Jackson, with whom we had worked to provide the unit at Ashfield Primary School, we are delighted we have been able to provide an additional four units at the intended key locations.

"Large volume events, such as Otley Show and Otley Carnival, will have cover from the unit in Bridge Street and from Ashfield Primary, as well as from the St John Ambulance on the field.

"With those already installed at the vets in Courthouse street, the fire station in Bondgate and at Otley Core on Orchard Gate, the town centre will have complete coverage of units, should the need for them to be used arise.

"It is hoped we can continue to provide additional units along routes out of Otley."