Redditch community groups are being encouraged to apply for life-saving defibrillators.

Backed by £1 million of government funding, the Community Automated External Defibrillators (AED) fund will provide at least 1,000 new defibrillators with 24-hour access for community spaces across England.

To receive funding, local organisations will be asked to demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where they are most needed including town halls, community centres and local shops to ensure they are evenly spread out and easily accessible to vulnerable people.

MP for Redditch and the Villages, Rachel Maclean, said: “Credit must rightly go to Rob and Maggie Underwood who tirelessly fundraised to get defibrillators installed across Redditch and there’s no doubt that they will have saved many lives.

“But, if we can get more defibrillators installed across the constituency we can save even more lives, so I would encourage community organisations to apply for this government funding.”

For more information or to apply visit www.defibgrant.co.uk