The Ross Swimming Pool leisure facility received a very special addition to its life-saving team last Thursday, with the presentation of a portable defibrillator (AED) from the Ross Branch of the British Heart Foundation.

It was a special celebration, with Lisa Howard, from the Swimming Pool, presenting a cheque for £873.40 to the Heart Foundation's Regional Director, Gerry Thomas. The cash was raised through a slimming scheme for the participants in the LIFT exercise referral scheme.

Chief slimmer was Ross sales executive, Howard Hughes, he lost the most weight - 43 lbs and raised the most cash - £290.50. He was presented with a magnum of Champagne and 3 months free subscription to the Swimming Pool gym.

Chairman of the Ross Branch of the Heart Foundation, Denis Kirk, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be presenting this defibrillator to the Swimming Pool.

"It would not have been possible without the help of the staff at the pool and the generosity of the residents of Ross."

Mr Thomas demonstrated the defibrillator, using Swimming Pool Manager, Haydn Roberts as a guinea pig. The AED administers the appropriate shock to the casualty but also acts as a diagnostic tool, taking the decision making of whether to shock off the shoulders of the first-aider who needs only to follow the simple voice commands of the unit.

It enables the chaotic rhythm that the heart has entered during a heart attack to be stopped, allowing the heart to return to its normal rhythm. Survival from a heart attack is increased to 95% (from 3% when solely using standard cardiac pulmonary resuscitation CPR)

Ross Swimming Pool is one of a number of venues that offer the LIFT exercise referral scheme, where patients are referred by their doctors, nurse or physiotherapist, for exercise to improve the health in cases such as reduced blood pressure, weight control and mental health conditions.

Funding for this vital piece of equipment was raised through several sources, including one member who completed a 100 mile run in the Himalayas.

Mr Kirk paid tribute to his team in the Ross branch. He presented ten year badges to Marion Davis and Aileen Hurst. Certificates of appreciation went to Trevor and Tania Layton, Maud Kittle, Bill Fraser and Doreen Lusty.

The Ross branch is eager to recruit more members - anyone who is keen to join or would like to help the branch in any way should please telephone 01584 879330.