AN East Renfrewshire charity has been handed a welcome windfall by a leading retailer.

The Levern Valley Defibrillator Community Partnership (LVDCP) received £5,000 from Scotmid Co-operative’s Community Connect scheme.

The worthy cause helps to save lives by installing and maintaining public access defibrillators across East Renfrewshire.

These can be used to resuscitate someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

The charity also provides free training in how to use the devices.

Douglas Yates, LVDCP spokesman, said: “The £5,000 award will make a massive difference in helping to keep communities safe and saving lives.

“We’re honoured to have been considered for this vital funding and look forward to making this investment in our community.”

Since it was launched in 2017, Scotmid’s Community Connect scheme has awarded more than £500,000 to 54 good causes across the country.

Andy Simm, chair of Scotmid’s West Regional Committee, said: “We are delighted to award these good causes with this funding support, which will help them continue providing vital services within their own communities.”

For more information about the scheme, visit https://scotmid.coop/community-connect.