A NEW defibrillator has been installed at a Southampton pub to help people in the community.

The new equipment has been installed at the Saints Pub in Millbrook and will now be available if anyone suffers a cardiac arrest in the community and needs resuscitation.

It was purchased by Millbrook Football Club using an FA subsidised initiative but was funded through the pub itself.

Now landlord, Eugene McManus wants more community venues to get their own defibrillator's installed.

He said: "The De-fib is a vital piece of equipment in saving lives. Statistically you are nearly 60% more likely to survive sudden cardiac arrest when used.

"For this reason and highlighted by Footballer Christian Eriksson' collapse on the field at the Euros this Summer, I believe these should be standard issue at all Community Venues, be they Pubs, Schools, Football Grounds, Parks.

The kit is registered with 'The Circuit', The National Defribillator Network who partner with Association and the pub has also registered the unit with the NHS 'Save a Life App' so that if a person suffers Cardiac Arrest and calls 999 the operator can direct them to the premise with the required codes to open the Cabinet.

City councillor, Sally Spicer told the Echo: "As ward councillor and working at the hospital on the front line I see what a difference it can make having a de fib machine nearby in the local community.

"This is great news seeing one here at the Saints pub. Well done Eugene the landlord at the Saints pub for buying this important piece of equipment for the community. Let's hope it's not needed too often though."