A NEW public access defibrillator (PAD) has been installed in Cardross thanks to the hard work of three sporting groups.

Cardross' tennis, bowling and football clubs came together along with the Cardross Trust and Helensburgh based charity Heartstart to fund the fourth defibrillator system for the village.

The life-saving equipment has been placed at Cardross Bowling Club and is easily accessed from the street, surrounding playing fields, and the adjacent tennis courts.

Sheenah Nelson, Lomond Rotary's Heartstart co-ordinator, said: "We were delighted to be able to support and assist the group in purchasing a PAD for the community of Cardross.

"We commend the groups fundraising initiative to make this possible. A wonderful example of local pennies saving local lives."

Funding was provided by all three clubs and the Cardross Trust, while Helensburgh & Local District CPR/Defibrillator Association supplied the equipment and Heartstart Lomond Rotary will provide further training for the members of all three clubs.

David Lockhart, president of Cardross Tennis Club, said: “It has been great to work with the other clubs, Heartstart, and the Trust on such a positive project for the village.

"It shows the power of teamwork, and we hope to do more of it in future. All of us hope this defibrillator will never be needed but having it placed close to where so much of daily life happens, from drive volleys to dog-walking, makes huge sense.”

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Calum Mackenzie, president of Cardross Bowling Club, said: “I think we all thought we knew what a defibrillator was before this project but through working on it, and thanks to Heartstart, we have all learned to appreciate the vital difference they can make in the time it takes for help to arrive.

"People might think the three clubs are narrowly focussed on our individual sports but we all know how much we depend on the community around us so it’s great to be part of something that has value for everyone in the village."

Gail Thomas, secretary of the Cardross Trust said: “It’s wonderful for us to see the clubs pulling together for an initiative like this that provides a vital service to the whole village.

"I am sure there are people reading this who already know too well the difference access to a defibrillator can make so I am really happy the Trust has been part of bringing another one to Cardross.”