Budleigh Salterton's new cricket ground, The Holt, is now equipped with a defibrillator, thanks to the generosity of both the builder behind the state of the art clubhouse and the town’s Lions Club.

The life-saving device has been registered on the British Heart Foundation's National Defibrillator Network, which allows 999 call handlers to quickly direct people to their nearest defib in an emergency.

Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, which had previously donated £1,000 to the club to help fund much-needed training nets, contributed a further £1,000 to the emergency device which is fitted to the exterior of the clubhouse. Gary Dobel of GD construction, the contractor behind the creation of the club’s new home, donated the remaining £1,000.

BSCC director and club treasurer Andy Drodge said: “As an amateur sports club providing exercise for all ages we are extremely grateful to the  Budleigh Salterton Lions and to Gary Dobel Construction for the generous donation of a defib. We hope it never needs to be used but it is a comfort knowing we have one on site. As an additional service to the community it has been fitted outside so is available 24-7 should anyone be in need close by.”

At a presentation on Thursday, December 21, Lions vice president Alex McDiarmid said: “The Lions are thrilled to be able to support the cricket club by making the donation towards the nets and the contribution towards the life saving defibrillator.”

Richard Allen, President of the Budleigh Lions Club, said: " On behalf of all of our members I would like to thank everyone who has donated and supported our appeals for funds throughout 2023. We really do appreciate the wonderful support that we have from the local community and this has enabled us to be able to contribute towards the cost of the new defibrillator at the Cricket Club. I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2024!"