Villagers getting in the festive spirit have helped to raise enough cash for three defibrillators in Measham, to be used in the event of a cardiac arrest.

The Tower of Light has become a popular event over the years, while raising money for good causes at the same time.

It has been a popular feature in Measham for the last six years at Christmas, and those who have benefited from the money raised have included the medical centre and the Measham Welfare Junior Football Club.

For 2016, it was decided the event would raise money for a defibrillator in a box which could be accessed by any member of the public, when required, in order to try to save the life of anyone suffering from a cardiac arrest.

The defibrillator outside Pickerings Plant Limited in Measham

The Tower of Light raised £4,219, which meant that organisers had raised enough for three defibrillators - two more than they had originally planned. The defibrillators are situated at St Laurence Church Hall, outside the DFS store and at Pickerings Plant Limited.

Stuart Boothroyd, one of the organisers, said: “Due to the generosity of the people of Measham, and to various local companies, the amount raised surpassed all our expectations.

“We were able to benefit from the buying power of the local First Responders, and so we were we able to purchase three defibrillators.

"A local company, BBCS Limited, not only donated to the Tower of Light, but it also arranged to fit the three units for us without charge. Because of this, there was sufficient left over to purchase training equipment for the First Responders.

The defibrillator outside the DFS store in Measham

“As we were only prepared for one defibrillator initially, and had St Laurence Church Hall earmarked as a location, we have needed to find locations for the other two defibrillators.

"We have now done this, and besides this location, there is a defibrillator outside the DFS store, and another outside Pickerings Plant Limited.

"The new Co-op store also supported our campaign by having another defibrillator, fitted at its own cost, outside its shop.

One of the new defibrillators that can be found in Measham

“The village now has four sites where public access can be obtained to a defibrillator, and we would like everyone to know the locations, so that, should they be required, our residents will know where to go for them.

“I would like to thank everyone for those generous donations this last year.”