A PRIMARY school has installed a defibrillator as a 'gift' to the community.

West Witney Primary School has added the device to one of its outside walls after fears the closure of the nearby Deer Park Medical Centre increased the vulnerability of residents.

Several businesses have supported the move, with one company, Oxfordshire First Aid, offering to hold a free training session at the school.

Deputy headteacher, Alex Sloan, said: “It’s really important to West Witney Primary School that our children see themselves at the heart of the community.

"The defibrillator is our gift to ensure the safety of those living on the Deer Park Estate."

Mrs Sloan is leader of the school council, which made the decision to install the defibrillator.

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Witney-based Oxford Products, a global leader in motorbike and cycle parts, clothing and accessories, sponsored the device.

The business's managing director, Andrew Hammond, said: “Safety is at the heart of our products, so it made complete sense to do our bit to keep the local community safe."

Another Witney-based firm, Howse & O'Reilly, installed the defibrillator to the outside wall facing the car park, meaning it is available to everyone.

The device has been registered with South Central Ambulance Service and details of the training session will be publicised on posters around Deer Park shortly.

Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group announced Deer Park Medical Centre would close in 2016, before the surgery eventually shut down in March 2017.

If you want to learn how to use a defibrillator or how to perform CPR, you can call Oxfordshire First Aid on 01993 774033 or visit their website at oxfordshirefirstaid.co.uk