A COMMUNITY has pulled together to help a school raise money for new life-saving equipment.

Residents in Witham have given their support and money to a project by New Rickstones Academy.

The school took part in the Tesco Community Grant vote, urging shoppers to place a token in a box in support of its mission to fundraise for a defibrillator.

As the school has expanded and added a new building with seven extra classrooms this year, they say it was necessary to add a second life-saving machine.

The community got behind New Rickstones and the project was picked as the winner, earning the school a £1,500 grant.

With it being a community grant, the new defibrillator will be placed in a box outside the school reception, giving nearby residents access in an emergency.

On top of that, a non-uniform day and donations from parents added a total of £1,140 to the cause, meaning another machine can be added to the new building.

Nicky Giles, health and safety co-ordinator, said: “Because the school was growing and a new-build was on the way, we decided we needed another defibrillator. We already have one in reception.

“The defibrillator is one that can be switched between adult and child, and it talks the user through each step, so it is impossible to give a patient a shock they do not require.

“This is a great example of how a whole community can be active in providing such important life-saving equipment to a school and its surrounding community.

“A huge thank you to the Witham community.”