A life saving defibrillator trainer will be purchased through funds donated by the Royal British Legion (RBL).

On Wednesday (October 3) volunteers at Leytonstone’s St John Ambulance unit received a cheque for £300 from the group.

The money will be used to buy a training defibrillator which simulates a real life, sudden cardiac arrest.

The cash was given by the RBL to thank volunteers for supporting the branch for several years by offering medical coverage at the Remembrance Day parade, as well as at Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Ray Gross, secretary of the Leyton branch of the RBL, said: “Having St John Ambulance in attendance year after year at our events in the borough gives us great confidence in the knowledge that if the unforeseen happens we have qualified first aiders on hand to offer assistance and reassurance.

"This donation is our way of showing our gratitude and we hope to continue our relationship with the Leytonstone unit of St John Ambulance well into the future.”

The Leytonstone volunteers will be demonstrating CPR and other life saving skills to members of the public on October 20 between 10am and 2pm at the unit’s headquarters on Queen’s Road.

Email peter.mccolm@sja.org.uk to book a space.