A LIFE-saving device has a new home at a Whitefield school.

The defibrillator, which can drastically increase the chances of survival following a heart attack, now takes pride of place at Higher Lane Primary School after a donation from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

Paramedic David Gardiner, who is assistant operations manager for NWAS, decided to help the school as two of his children have studied there in the past.

The school's headteacher Mrs Carol McLachlan said: "Our parent and teacher association was planning to start a campaign to raise the money for a defibrillator as everyone agreed it was very important to have one for the school.

"One of the association members suggested that David could help and, fortunately, he was able to make this amazing donation.

"The school layout is long and thin corridors, so we are keeping the defibrillator in the middle of the building so it can be accessed quickly by everyone."

On a visit to the school on October 15, Mr Gardiner trainer three members of staff in lifesaving CPR skills and first aid.

"We also want people to know that, if someone falls ill near the school, they can use the defibrillator — it is for the community too," said Mrs McLachlan.

The donation saved the school about £500, which they used to pay for an activities van to visit children and deliver lessons on the subject of life education.