Penally now has its own defibrillator.

It’s sited on the wall outside the Village Hall.

The installation on Tuesday morning was the conclusion of a 12-month long project.

Explained County Councillor Jon Preston: “We began exploring avenues to provide a defibrillator for the community of Penally about a year ago.

“Approaches to the British Heart Foundation and Welsh Hearts were positive, but the cost of the machine was a little out of reach.

“Penally Village Hall committee along with the community council were looking to raise funds in the region of £1,500 which may have taken some time.

“On the off chance, I wrote to the chief executive at Bourne Leisure requesting a donation to our fund. We were very pleasantly surprised when Kiln Park’s general manger, Simon Pritchard, contacted me and offered to fund and supply the community with a top of the range defibrillator. We as a community are very grateful to Simon and Bourne Leisure for this kind gesture.”

Tony Wall, Tenby and Saundersfoot First Responders’ co-ordinator, provided a free and in-depth training event at the Village Hall last December.

Penally Village Hall committee were then able to fund the cost of an all-weather outdoor case which was installed by Tony and Village Hall committee member Brian Barker, on Tuesday morning, all free of charge!

Added Clr. Preston: “I think this is an excellent example of our community working together with local charities and businesses to provide essential and accessible life saving equipment, thank you to all those involved.”

For more information on defibrillator training, first aid training and the excellent work of the First Responders, visit [email protected]" TARGET="_blank">[email protected]