VITAL training to use defibrillators throughout Barrhead are being offered to residents.

Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership are running free courses as more public access defibrillators (PADs) are installed to save lives.

The charity also wants to continue to expand beyond the 14 PADs set up in 2019 and two more earmarked for being put in place this month.

Douglas Yates, chairman of the partnership, said before their first AGM last month that they are launching an "Adopt a Defibrillator" scheme to maintain them in the town.

He said: "The challenge of raising money to buy defibrillators and lockable cabinets continues.

"But we have a responsibility to the community to make arrangements for the maintenance of each of the PADs which will run to about £200 each year.

"To this end we are seeking partnerships - essentially organisations who would like to sponsor a PAD on either an ongoing basis or simply on a year to year basis."

Read more: Success of ‘lifesaving’ Barrhead scheme praised at Holyrood

Heart Start Defibrillator Awareness Courses can be run at times and locations to suit those taking part. There was a recent session at Bourock Church, pictured, and Douglas said he hopes organsations such as Boys Brigade, Scouts, mens' clubs, churches and others will all apply.

To sponsor a PAD or attend one of the courses, contact Douglas by email at dayates@ntlworld.com or text him on 07969 072024.