A Gwendraeth Valley village has received its first lifesaving defibrillator thanks to the help of kind-hearted local businesses.

SFS and TRJ of Ammanford raised the money for the equipment during their annual fundraising Super Fun Saturday event and bike ride last summer.

Ryan Jones, SFS HR manager, said: “At a SFS fundraising committee meeting, we decided that £2,900 which we had raised would go towards a defibrillator for Penygroes Welfare Hall because there wasn’t a machine in the village and also Ammanford Cricket Club because that is where our annual fundraising event is held every year.”

The training session hosted by Cariad was held at Penygroes Welfare Hall last Thursday, April 27, which was attended by local leaders and members of the public.

Councillor Sian Thomas, who represents the Penygroes ward said: “I am delighted that Penygroes has now got a defibrillator at last.

“I have long campaigned to get one for the village. Anything that can save a life is important to have.

“I am most thankful to Ryan Jones for gathering the funding and seeing to having the machine in the village hall.

“I was also delighted to meet the volunteers last Thursday who were undergoing the training for the use of the defibrillator.

“I am given to understand that Franz from the Farmers is also collecting towards a second one. The more the better.”

Member of Parliament Jonathan Edwards added:"I would like to warmly congratulate Ryan Jones and all those who raised money to bring this life-saving equipment to the village.

"It was a pleasure to be asked to attend the official event and see the community join together to secure this valuable resource."

There will be a defibrillator handover and training session at Ammanford Cricket Club on May 20 which is open to the members of the community and additional training sessions are set to be held at Penygroes Welfare Hall.

SFS have also confirmed that this year’s Super Fun Saturday event will be taking place on June 24 and sponsor forms will be available this week.

Get in touch with Ryan Jones on 07967944403 for more information.