A LIFE-SAVING defibrillator will be installed at the Wath Brow Hornets ground so it will be available for public use in emergencies.

The £3,000 piece of kit is already in the club’s gym, but the rugby league side is still waiting on an electric compartment, which keeps the equipment warm, before it can be installed in the club’s ground.

In an emergency, the public will be able to use the equipment by dialling 999 and following police instructions.

It was for this reason that Cleator Moor Town Council donated £595 towards the installation.

Councillors said the machine would be a massive benefit to the town and its surrounding areas.

The defibrillator will also be beneficial to the rugby club because it needs the life-saving equipment in its home ground to be able to compete in the Challenge Cup next year.

Wath Brow secretary Pat McGrath said that the equipment is a great addition to the ground and that it is extremely important given the number of high-profile heart problems suffered by athletes in recent years.

“We’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about this,” said Mr McGrath. “We’ve spoken to paramedics and firemen about this and they’re impressed that the club has invested in the safety of its players.

“It should be something which is beneficial to the club and the the community as a whole- it’s piece of mind. We’ve already been giving the club’s staff lessons in how to use it.”

Mr McGrath said that he and the club would like to thank Cleator Moor Town Council for its donation too.

A date for the installation of the defibrillator has not yet been confirmed.