IT’S the best gift you could ask for – a chance to save a life.

Bransgore Primary School is the latest school to back the Daily Echo’s Save a Life in School’s campaign urging all Hampshire schools to obtain the vital technology.

The school has been given funding to purchase a defibrillator thanks to an anonymous donation.

The cash was initially given to B r a n s g o r e Community First Responder group with the specific request it be used to provide a school with the lifesaving equipment.

Paul Brown, head teacher of the New Forest school, said: "This is such a considerate and valuable gift.

Daily Echo:

Picture: Mike Dukes from Bransgore Community Responders hands over the defibrillator to pupils Wilf Jenkinson and Alice Waite

This equipment means that our school, and the village in general, is a safer place to be. Strangely, this is one resource that we hope doesn’t ever need to be used and will gather dust.

“On behalf of the whole school and governing body I should like to thank our donor for such a wonderful contribution to our school community.

It could make a life-saving difference in the future.”

It comes after a 16-year-old pupil was saved with a defibrillator after having a heart attack during a PE lesson at a Romsey school.

As reported by the Daily Echo, quick-thinking Mountbatten teachers shocked Sam Mangoro with the device four times, keeping his heart beating until the paramedics arrived.

The donor acted after reading the coverage while his children also previously attended the school.

It was handed over to the school at a special assembly and responders will now help train staff to use the defibrillator along with CPR skills.

Bransgore Responder group co-ordinator Mike Jukes said, "When the donor approached us and offered to pay for the defibrillator we were very happy to help make it happen.

“We know a defibrillator, available promptly in cases of cardiac arrest, can help save a life.

“The current campaign to see defibrillators in schools is one we wholeheartedly support and promote locally.

“We believe everyone from a young age should know the basic CPR skills that can help save a life. You never know when it may be needed, or who may need your help.”

Local Heartstart groups are also offering free CPR training and for more details call 0300 330 3311.