A NEWLY installed defibrillator in Hexham was called upon through the night to help somebody in need.

The device was installed at Prior's Flat, where the town's Tynedale Cricket Club and Tynedale Tennis Club are based, last November.

It has emerged it was brought into action at around 3.30am on Sunday, March 14, to help a resident in need before an ambulance arrived.

The North-East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it was not able to identify the patient, or reveal further details of the incident.

But the service's community resuscitation officer Alex Mason, praised a community effort which led to the installation of the defibrillator.

She said: "It is fantastic to hear of another community accessible defibrillator being used to help someone prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

"Due to the nature of the incident, we are unable to provide further details, but we wish the patient well in their recovery.

"In those first few minutes after someone's heart stops beating, these are the things that can make a massive difference to the outcome. Thank you to the cricket and tennis club for installing the device."

Graeme Robbie, of Tynedale Cricket Club said the project has been made possible thanks to a partnership between the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Community Heartbeat Trust and the Club Cricket Charity as part of their Defibrillator Supply Project.

Coun. Derek Kennedy, who provided funding of £1,100 via Northumberland County Council, said: "This just shows the importance of these devices that are available 24 hours a day to all members of the public. "It has only been in situ for five months and we are very pleased it has proved its worth by providing such critical assistance."