A NEW community defibrillator is to be placed outside the Central Methodist Church in Launceston for public use.

An application of £1,600 was submitted to the Launceston Rotary Community Shop by the president of the Inner Wheel in Launceston, Joan Helme, following an elderly man collapsing at a concert.

The defibrillator will be for the benefit of all organisations using the building as well as members of the public.

Representatives of the church said they felt that such an aid in modern times was essential and accepted that proper training is necessary.

To that end, a demonstration has been organised at 7pm on Friday, May 26 in the church and all are welcome to attend.