A DEFIBRILLATOR has been installed in the perfect plaice to save lives... next to an award-winning chippy.

Wivenhoe now has its third life-saving machine in Vine Parade thanks to a collaboration between Colchester Community First Responders, Colchester Borough Homes, Henley's Fish and Chip Shop and ward councillor Mark Cory.

David Henley, owner of the chip shop, gave permission to place the machine on the row of shops and funded the installation of the defibrillator.

He said: "I am very proud to have been able to assist with this vital piece of life-saving equipment, installed free by local electricians Jennings and Stolley Ltd.

"Mark Cory was marvellous bringing us all together to get the job done, from discussion to installation in just a couple of weeks. An example of a councillor and the community coming together.”

Mr Cory, who is also leader of the council, thanked Martin Ford of Colchester Community First Responders for help facilitating the installation.

He said: "I have wanted to get a defibrillator placed up at the Vine Parade shops for sometime. David Henley was a fantastic help.

"He immediately agreed to have the new defibrillator on the shop frontage so that it could be easily seen and got it fitted within a week.

"I am so glad to have the defibrillator installed and working, it is now there to help save lives of local residents, I am so grateful of the team work that got it done so quickly.”

A new Community First Responder team has now been set up in Wivenhoe ensuring trained East of England Ambulance service responders are nearby and on hand to provide support often before the emergency services arrive.

Mr Ford said: "New volunteers are currently being trained, but more volunteers are welcomed.

"We have in the past year installed over 50 24/7 public access defibrillators around Colchester.

"We have also be shortlisted for this years Uk Heart Safe awards in Manchester for our defibrillator program."