A PIECE of lifesaving equipment has been installed outside an Otley school.

Children and staff at Otley All Saints C of E Primary held a six hour 'Aerobathon'* last term to raise the money for a public access AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

The device, which sends electrical charges to restart the heart, has been fitted next to the school's front entrance.

Its details and access code have also been shared with the emergency services so it can be used by members of the public who call 999.

Headteacher Ian Thomson-Smith said: "I am so proud of the way in which our children and families responded to this appeal.

"Thank you to our PTA for organising the fundraising event.

"This defibrillator is a potential life-saver - although of course we hope it never needs to be used."

Defibrillators have begun springing up across town over the past year.

Others fitted so far in 2016 include those outside Ashfield Primary School and Otley Fire Station, which are both part of Town Councillor Peter Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield) campaign to provide Otley-wide coverage.

Coun Jackson is aiming to have a third fitted at Cross Green Community Centre, and hopes to have a further four or five AEDs operational before the end of the year.

The Rotary Club of Otley Chevin, meanwhile, raised money to get an AED installed on Orchard Gate.

*The school's Arerobathon was one of the PTA's most successful events so far, and raised more than £2,000.