LYDNEY open-air swimming pool is one step closer to having its own on-site defibrillator after receiving a £1,000 donation to its fund.

Trustees at the open-air pool, located just off of the A48 towards Aylburton, are hoping to purchase a ‘life-saving’ Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for volunteers and lifeguards to use if someone suffers a cardiac arrest on-site, and were given a welcome head start to its funding last week.

The donation of £1,000 was made by Persimmon Homes East, who are currently building homes at Bishops Mead in Lydney.

The 38-metre pool is run by volunteers and opens for at least 14 weeks in the summer, during which time it attracts thousands of visitors.

Pool trustee Abigail Jones said: “We are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes for this generous donation.

“The pool is a fantastic asset to the local community and is enjoyed by thousands of people from the Forest of Dean and further afield every year.

“We feel that it is really important to keep visitors to our pool safe. We hope we never have to use the defibrillator but, if the worst happens, it could be a life-saving piece of kit.

“We are looking to fundraise for the defibrillator by holding a sponsored swim but this can’t start until the pool is open again, so it’s great to get a head-start with this grant.”

House builder Persimmon donates up to £64,000 each month to worthy causes through its own Community Champions scheme.

Company sales director Victoria Williams said: “We’re delighted to be able to support the pool with this grant.

“Defibrillators have becoming increasingly common in recent years and have saved many lives. I think it’s a great idea to have one here just in case it is ever required.

“It’s great to be a part of the fundraising drive.”