The High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire unveiled a new public defibrillator at Princes Risborough fire station on Friday. 

Francesca Skelton cut the ribbon and declared the life-saving equipment open for use at a ceremony on Friday morning. 

Mrs Skelton said: “It has been a great pleasure to have been invited to unveil this lifesaving equipment. 

"I applaud everyone involved for this fantastic achievement which has only been made possible through the commitment and generosity of the local community and all the partners involved.”

The defibrillator is the second to be donated by Risboro Garage after the equipment was installed at Princes Risborough Golf Club. 

The ceremony was attended by representatives from WEL Medical, Princes Risborough Golf Club, South Central Ambulance Service, Thames Valley Police, the Princes Risborough Community First Responders and Town Mayor Councillor Alan Turner.

Jason Thelwell, Chief Fire Officer Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, told how vital defibrillators are in 'rural and vulnerable communities' because they ease the burden on the ambulance service. 

He said: "This is particularly important in places such as Princes Risborough, where those operating the fire station do so on a part time, volunteer basis.

"We are extremely grateful to Risboro Garage and all our partners for their fund raising efforts.”

Sean Graham, director at Risboro Garage, added: “We were delighted that the event was so well attended.

"This is the second defibrillator resulting from our fundraising efforts and we will continue to do so with a view to providing more machines of this kind to Princes Risborough and the surrounding villages.”