A NETWORK of life-saving devices has been installed in Haltwhistle.

Three public access defibrillators have been placed in locations across the town centre.

Haltwhistle War Memorial Hospital League of Friends has funded the work, which cost a total of £4,500.

The charity said the defibrillators had been installed in the town as thanks for the local community’s longstanding support.

The life-saving devices are attached to buildings across the town centre.

They are located at Haltwhistle Fire Station, Landfactor Agents in the Market Place and the Grey Bull bed and breakfast.

The public access defibrillators are kept inside locked cabinets.

People can gain access via a phone call to the North East Ambulance Service. The call handler will provide an access code.

The devices are able to assess heart rhythms and, where appropriate, deliver a dose of electrical energy to the heart which actually stops the abnormal rhythm and allows the body’s natural pacemaker to restart the heart into a normal rhythm.

A registered charity, The Haltwhistle Hospital League of Friends is now in its 63rd year.

Since the re-opening of the town’s hospital, the charity has raised a total of £29,000 for medical equipment and support for patients.

Haltwhistle Hospital League of Friends, Angela Askey said: “These defibrillators are a very important facility for the town.

“Even if they are never used, it’s vital to have them there.”