BURNHAM-on-Sea has a new defibrillator thanks to funding from the town council and four local groups.

Burnham-on-Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club spent £2,000 on the lifesaving kit, which is based at the front gate of the club, as well as acquiring a weather-proof and heated and external cabinet in which to house it.

The defibrillator was funded by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, the Somerset Community Foundation, the Burnham Boats section, Brent Engineering and the Burnham on Sea Motor Boat and Sailing club.

It was officially unveiled at a special ceremony on Saturday (January 18) by Mayor of Burnham Cllr Andy Brewer

A spokesperson for Burnham Motor Boat and Sailing Club, said: “Burnham on Sea now has access to another defibrillator.

“It is situated outside the front gate of the club of the Burnham on Sea Motor Boat and sailing club.

“This now means Burnham has a clear ‘route’ of defibrillators running from the Apex right along the Esplanade.

“The committee of Burnham Motor Boat and Sailing Club wanted to provide a community defibrillator in this location as it is central on the sea wall walk and it not only potentially benefits club members but also Parkrun participants who pass it twice every Saturday morning, Beach clean volunteers who regularly clean along the River Brue and of course our local communities and the many visitors to the area who enjoy this beautiful part of Burnham.”

The club said 50 people have completed training on how to use the defibrillator and more training is set to be offered through St Johns Ambulance to staff at the club and members of the organisations who helped to buy it.

The South West Ambulance Service Trust has added the defibrillator to their system and it has now gone live.

“The committee wish to thank club members Graham Wills who was instrumental in organising the acquisition and installation and William Smart who undertook the electrical work required,” a club spokesperson added.

“The defibrillator is registered with the South West NHS Ambulance Trust and has been uploaded to the excellent GOODsam application.

“The club will be maintaining the defibrillator and ensuring it is accessible at all times.”