GROVE’S Co-op store has been fitted with a new public defibrillator as part of its ‘commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community’.

Staff have been trained to use the equipment by national charity The Community Heartbeat Trust.

The installation was funded by donations from Wantage and Grove Lions Club, a local club run by volunteers who have been helping with community projects since 1986.

They ran a series of fundraising initiatives including bingo events, plant sales, craft fairs, jumble sales and boot sales.

Club member Grahame Breakspear said: “We have been fundraising and volunteering for the local community for more than 30 years and this was an important project for us and fits well with our other community projects.

“We approached The Midcounties Co-operative to provide a central place for a defibrillator to help the local community. Now it’s installed, we’re planning to fundraise for the maintenance of it.”

Midcounties Co-operative leadership team ambassador Darren Adams said: “The installation of the defibrillator and the relevant training will provide colleagues and the wider community in Grove with quick and informed access to life-saving equipment. We’re thankful to Wantage and Grove Lions Club.”