EAST AYRSHIRE’S defibrillator network has been given a fresh boost this week with the addition of a new piece of life-saving equipment.

Ballochmyle ward councillors William Lennox, Alyson Simmons, Linda Holland and Claire Leitch headed to Lugar Bowling and Social Club on Monday morning to join council officials and club representatives for the official handover of the area’s latest ‘defib’.

It’s the second defibrillator to be installed in Lugar, following the one already in place at Lugar Boswell Thistle FC’s Rosebank Park ground in the village.

Councillor Holland said: "Here's hoping it is never required, but at least you know it's there if needed."

Defibrillators can be used to restore a normal heartbeat to someone who has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest until ambulance crews can arrive to deal with a medical emergency.

For more information on the defibrillators already in place across East Ayrshire, and on how to apply for one, see bit.ly/eastayrshiredefibrillators.