YOUNGSTERS and teachers now have access to life-saving equipment at Egerton Primary School.

Joan Caswell — who is married to Bolton lottery winner Brian Caswell — donated a defibrillator to school where her granddaughter Holly is a pupil.

Mrs Caswell, aged 77, presented the equipment during a special assembly at the school.

She said: “All my grandchildren have attended Egerton Primary and it's nice to be able to put something back into the school.

“You would think a cardiac arrest is something that comes with old age but it is relevant to everyone. The students will benefit from knowing about these things.”

Holly, aged 10, added: “It is a good thing to have if it might save someone's life.”

Headteacher Samantha Mitchell said: “I am thrilled with such a generous donation. It's piece of mind knowing that we have the equipment should the unexpected happen.

“This donation means the school fundraising efforts can go towards things that directly assist with the children's education.” Staff will receive training on how to use the machine and pupils will also learn about life-saving skills.

In February last year, The Bolton News launched its Every School Leaver a Life Saver campaign.

The campaign promotes the teaching of emergency life saving skills in schools and for defibrillators to be placed in as many public places as possible.

Asda has since introduced plans to install defibrillators into every one of its supermarkets in the country. Bolton West MP Julie Hilling joined forces with The Bolton News to help promote the campaign.

Last month, Bolton’s first public access defibrillator was installed in Little Lever.