A lifesaving device has been put in place at the heart of the community.

The defibrillator has been installed outside the main office at Riverview Park off Fambridge Road in Althorne.

The move was spearheaded by Ann Charlton, 64, who was saved by paramedic crews and neighbours after going in to cardiac arrest in 2016.

It meant her heart suddenly stopped pumping blood round her body, leaving her brain starved of oxygen.

A defibrillator is a lifesaving device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart through the chest to someone who is in cardiac arrest.

It was donated by the NHS and Ms Charlton raised £570 to buy a special case, which keeps it at the right temperature, to have it housed on the caravan park.

She is now arranging for a signpost to be made to point people to it.

Ms Charlton, of West Avenue, said: “It could be the difference between life or death.

“It won’t necessarily save a life but it will give that person a chance.

“It is so important people know CPR as well because people in cardiac arrest need blood getting round the body to their brain.

“When I was ill my son was told if I came through it I could have brain damage.”

Ms Charlton said it was important people knew anyone at any age could need the defibrillator.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are,” she said.

“It happens to people both old and young. But a defibrillator can make a difference in that person’s outcome.

“The defibrillator is there to help anybody in the community 24/7 – it is for anybody and everybody.”

Ms Charlton also hopes to hold CPR classes and workshops in the future.