IN TIME for Abergavenny's busiest weekend of the year two public access defibrillators have been placed in the town reports GEMMA HARRIS.

With financial and enthusiastic support from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and Abergavenny Town Council defibrillators have been placed in the Town Hall and the Angel Hotel, supported by owner William Griffiths, in time for the Food Festival.

Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic supervisor Des Hughes, who is also the trainer, manager to the local Community First Responder team is offering to provide free training in the use of the public access defibrillators.

He said, "This is my home town and I'd like to support the town council's initiative in providing these defibrillators.This is a wonderful opportunity to show what's possible in a partnership between the Welsh Ambulance Service and Abergavenny Town Council, and to show our care for the town's residents and visitors."

In addition to the two already in place, when fundraising has been completed, permission has been given by the manager of Tesco, Mr John Williams to site a defibrillator in the Frogmore Street store.

A spokesperson from Bryn-y-Cwm One Stop Shop said, "Our aim to cover the whole of the town centre on behalf of the community and already some staff have been trained as responders."

MCC deputy chairman Councillor Maureen Powell said, "I welcome the placement of these defibrillators in the town, this equipment goes some way to saving lives. If someone falls ill during their visit to Abergavenny it's comforting to know that this live saving facility is available."

The Welsh Ambulance Service is also recruiting new members to the Abergavenny Community First Responders (CFRs) team. If anyone is interested in joining the scheme, please contact The Welsh Ambulance Service South East regional headquarters on 01633 626262 or call 02920 932917 or email [email protected]">[email protected]