RESIDENTS of one South Hams village have been given the reassurance of a potentially lifesaving device by a local business and a national housebuilder.

Rodgers Garage of Brixton has teamed up with David Wilson Homes to purchase a defibrillator to be installed at Brixton St Mary’s Primary School.

The device will be available for trained responders to use, should anyone in the community suffer a heart attack.

Representatives from both companies visited the school to hand over the equipment. Head teacher Dr Penny Fitch said: ‘The school is at the very heart of this village and we have very close relationships with the local community and local businesses.

‘We are very proud to have been able to work together with David Wilson Homes and Rodgers Garage to provide something so vital to the residents of the village.’

Rodgers Garage director Richard Acland said: ‘We are happy to do a lot in the local community and always like to help, particularly with the school. It’s a chance to give something back to this very supportive village.’

David Wilson has completed the first phase of the large ‘Canes Orchard’ development in Brixton, and is seeking planning permission for the next batch of homes.

Paul Furner, the company’s sales manager for Plymouth and the surrounding areas, said: ‘It is great to be able to help out the community and to give something that will have such an impact on the area that we are building in.

‘We hope it won’t need to be used but should an emergency arise, the defibrillator will provide a vital lifeline for those in Brixton.’

The defibrillator at the primary school could be the first of many in the village, as Brixton Community Association has plans to provide two more in different areas.