LIFE-SAVING equipment has been installed in Halesowen town centre thanks to a fundraising campaign.

A defibrillator has been put on the wall of newly-renovated pub Picks on the High Street and was launched by Halesowen MP James Morris and the Mayor of Dudley, councillor David Stanley, on Friday (July 26).

The equipment cost just over £1k - with £800 coming from fundraising by local trader Nici Patchett - on the Facebook page Halesowen Times - Take Two.

Nici - who runs Withit Witch knitting centre on High Street - raised cash through the sale of a calender depicting images of Halesowen taken by local people.

The remainder was donated by Halesowen firm Ruskin Properties and the installation and training is being funded by Halesowen BID.

Training is being held on Thursday August 15 - with town centre traders first in line.

To use the defib people must call 999 when they are given a code to open it and instructions on how to use it.

The code changes each time it is used.

BID manager Vicky Rogers said: "The landlady at Picks, Isabel Hampton, kindly offered to house the new community defibrillator on the wall just opposite the clock.

"It is a prominent position that can be easy accessed should the need arise.

"The mayor can along on Friday and met with myself and was introduced to Nici Patchett, who co-ordinated the fundraising through the social media page Halesowen Times - Take Two.

"The money was raised through the sale of a Halesowen Calendar, where images taken by local people of the local area, were showcased.

"The mayor was also introduced to Isabel Hampton and Mark Griffiths - the new licensees at Picks

"The pub reopened two weeks ago after being closed for some time, they have renovated the old pub and it is absolutely beautiful."

The mayor, who was joined by MP James Morris, took up position behind the bar and enjoyed a pint pulled by Vicky.

Vicky said anyone can be trained on how to use the defibrillator - anyone interested can e mail her at info@halesowenbid.co.uk.

The chances of survival after a cardiac arrest can increase from 6 per cent to 74 per cent if a defibrillator and CPR are used within the first three to five minutes of collapse.