AN OPEN day demonstrating how to use defibrillators will be held at the weekend.

Following the installation of a new machine at the Hexham Masonic Hall, Freemasons have invited a paramedic to show how a defibrillator is used, during a session between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday.

The £1,700 to purchase the machine was raised by a social evening at the Masonic Hall, donations from Hexham Freemasons lodges Albert Edward Lodge and Hextoldesham Lodge, and a £150 gift from the late worshipful brother, Alan Glover.

Hexham Freemason, Peter Scandle, said: “We have arranged the open day as we are aware that defibrillators are becoming a fairly common sight, and that members of the public do not get to see what is inside until a time of need when perhaps they are panicking.”