A NEW defibrillator has been installed in the centre of Otley.

The potentially lifesaving medical device was fitted to a wall in the Orchard Gate shopping complex on Tuesday.

Publicly accessible during an emergency and designed to run automatically, the defibrillator sends electrical charges that can restart a heart in the case of a cardiac arrest.

This one, the latest in a series of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) installed in Otley during the past year, was paid for by the Rotary Club of Otley Chevin.

The group raised the money by carol singing at restaurants last winter and holding a quiz at the Wetherby Whaler in Guiseley.

Community service chairman, Roy Tate, said: "The club has worked closely with West Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Otley Town Council regarding the siting.

"This ensures the defibrillator is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the event of an urgent need.

"This device will help towards the target of getting ten defibrillators fitted in Otley, and is part of Rotary's commitment to the installation of defibrillators throughout Britain."

Other sites in town that have recently had defibrillators installed include Otley Fire Station, Otley All Saints C of E Primary School and Ashfield Primary School.

Town councillor Peter Jackson (Lib Dem, Ashfield) has been leading a campaign to have Otley-wide defibrillator cover, and hopes to see another fitted soon at Cross Green Community Centre.