A drive to equip the community with life-saving defibrillators has received a substantial boost.

JF Hornby and Co kick-started its Have a Heart campaign in February, promising to finance four defibrillators through its charity wing, the JF Hornby Foundation.

After partnering with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and receiving the devices, the firm shared a photo of the defibrillators on social media along with managing director, Paul Hornby.

Following numerous public requests for defibrillators in various locations, Paul increased their commitment to supply eight devices.

Mr Hornby said: "There has been a huge amount of support for our campaign, with numerous requests for defibs to be provided at community venues or locations.

"The original four we said we would buy and supply to the community simply won't be enough - so I am delighted to say we will fund a further four defibrillators at a cost of £5,000 to be distributed to the communities we serve as a business.

"Life is so precious and if our campaign gives just one person who suffers a cardiac arrest a greater chance of survival, the investment will be more than worth it.

"We decided to link up with the British Heart Foundation because using them as a supplier is a win-win.

"We are content that we are buying the highest quality equipment from a reputable source - and we are supporting a vital charity in doing so."

Each defibrillator comes with an outdoor cabinet and requires access to power.

Other locations suggested for the devices are Ford Park, Ulverston, the Croftlands estate in Ulverston, and Barrow AFC.

Defibrillators help in treating sudden cardiac arrest by delivering an electric shock to the heart, restoring its natural rhythm.

The prevalence of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public locations within the UK has grown in recent years.

A defibrillator used within the first three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase survival rates from six to 74 per cent.

However, survival rates decrease by 10 per cent with each minute that treatment is delayed.

Community members are encouraged to suggest a location for a defibrillator by emailing jfh@jfhornby.com.