The Helston Railway Charity has purchased two semi-automatic defibrillators (AEDs) which will be available at the Helston Railway in Prospidnick, near Helston.

This primary unit is intended to enhance the existing Community Network of defibrillators.

The unit will be accessible at all times for free access to the local community and public use, even when the Railway is not open, as well as for the railway's customers.

The Railway Volunteers are already renovating a heritage Gilbert Scott red telephone box, to house the AED which will be installed in the Railway car park, in the near future.

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Barbara Barnes, chair of the Heston Railway Charity, said: “It has long been an aspiration of the railway to obtain a defibrillator, and this was made possible by a generous donation from Helston Town Council with the remaining funds coming from supporters of the Helston Railway Preservation Society.

"The Helston Railway Charity is especially pleased to be able to provide such a valuable resource for the local community, as it will mean that those living in the areas of Prospidnick and Chynhale will now be within a few minutes travelling time of accessing this life-saving device when needed.”

Volunteer John Swan initiated the purchase of the second device as a memorial to his parents.

This will be carried on all train services, so that in the event of a passenger experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest whilst on their journey, the best possible equipment will be available instantly.

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Helston Mayor Tim Grattan-Kane and Paul Williams from the Ronnie Richards Memorial Charity were described by the charity as "invaluable" in selecting and obtaining the best equipment, and in helping to train the volunteers.

Tim Grattan-Kane said: I would like to see these devices in all our communities, small and large so that everyone can get to the defibrillator within a few minutes – They are life savers!"