CHILDREN at a Cradley nursery have been hailed as lifesavers after raising money so a defibrillator could be installed in the heart of their community.

Cradley Play Nursery has installed a defibrillator cabinet on the outside of their Lyde Green premises after the youngsters baked, splashed and made crafts to raise the funds.

With the help of FastAid Black Country, a charity of 999 community first responders, and West Midlands Ambulance Service, the nursery collected more than £1,000 to install the lifesaving equipment, which was unveiled by the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Dave Tyler.

Ann Richards, owner of Cradley Play Nursery, said: “We’re really pleased we’ve managed to bring such an important life-saving device to our community with the help of FastAid and the ambulance service.

“For us, the children are the real stars, they’ve worked really hard to make things to sell and have even done a sponsored splash to raise money.

“Thanks to parents, friends and family and staff, who bought items from the children, sponsored them and donated money, we’ve managed to reach our goal.

“Hopefully, this defibrillator will never be needed, but it’s reassuring for the nursery and the community to know it’s there.”

Cllr Tyler added: “I want to thank the nursery for not only realising the need for a defibrillator in their community, but also for working so hard to raise money to install it.

“It’s really nice to see so much community spirit and everyone from the children to a local charity and West Midlands Ambulance Service working together to give a real life-line to the area.”

FastAid and the ambulance service will also be training staff at the nursery and members of the community to use the defibrillator.

Andy Jeynes, head of community response at West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “It’s great the nursery wanted to bring a life-saving piece of equipment to their local community and ourselves, with FastAid Black Country, were happy to help.

“Defibrillators save lives and having access to one quickly, when needed, can make a huge difference.

“The more defibrillators we can get in the community the more lives can potentially be saved.”