AN OTLEY landlord has launched a campaign to get ten more lifesaving defibrillators for the town.

Peter Jackson, who runs the Otley Tavern, celebrated having a £1,275 Public Access AED (Automated External Defibrillator) installed beside Ashfield Primary School earlier this year.

Now he has set his sights higher and is aiming to raise £15,500 to get ten units positioned at strategic points across Otley.

Mr Jackson is also a Lib Dem Town Councillor for the Ashfield ward, but is running the campaign as a private resident – and knows he will need a lot of help to hit his target.

He said: "Defibrillators are a vital piece of equipment in first aid, and can save lives.

"After a successful campaign to obtain a defibrillator for outside Ashfield Primary, I have decided to try to purchase more units for around Otley.

"Otley Lions were one of the contributors for the Ashfield unit and have already pledged support in my continued campaign.

"I have also asked for help from Otley BID and would like to thank Otley Chamber of Trade members, who have kicked off this fundraiser by agreeing to fund one unit."

Designed with screen messages and voice commands so they can be used by anybody, AEDs can mean the difference between life and death for someone who has suffered cardiac arrest.

The new units would be concentrated in busy spots like Kirkgate, Bridge Street and Boroughgate, but some would also be provided north of the river to provide cover for Weston and the Prince Henry area.

Mr Jackson added: "I am asking all local businesses to contact me with a donation to support this campaign.

"The running costs for these units are estimated at £10 to £20 per year, so I am also looking for businesses that will cover this cost and have a unit installed.

"I thank all who are willing to support this worthy cause – please donate what you can.

"Once I have all the units required to ensure Otley can provide emergency first aid at any given time in each area, I will be joining Brian Firth of Global First Aid again to expand the campaign across Wharfedale and Aireborough."

The appeal is being backed by Otley Town Council chairman, Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield), who hopes everyone will get behind it.

He said: "Peter has worked tirelessly to promote and deliver accessible defibrillators.

"He’s a real community champion on this issue and I wish him well in his challenge to raise further funds.

"It’s a popular cause and one that can indeed save lives."

Anyone wishing to make a donation or find out more is asked to contact Mr Jackson on 07799 465070.