A COMMUNITY group has been calling on the public’s help to purchase a life-saving defibrillator.

The Over Hulton Community Group has been fundraising for the automated external defibrillator, which would be the second one to be installed in the area.

The group was approached by the senior bowling section of the Conservative Club in Newbrook Road, which needed a box for its device.

But members felt it was worthwhile to investigate the further purchase of another machine for the shopping precinct.

It would mean that Over Hulton would be covered in the areas to the north and south of the traffic lights on the A6.

Over Hulton Community Group chairman John Bullen said they were just £250 short of their £1,050 target.

He said: “We still can’t believe how people have rallied round us. First of all Bolton ICD Support offered the group a free defibrillator.

“Then Fiona at Milk Maids ice cream, completely unbeknown to us, placed an appeal box on her counter —10p from every vanilla ice cream sold went to the fund. Amazing!

“The first day it was on show it was spotted by a gentleman, Mark Lawton, who used to run Atherton Dragons rugby team.

“The club is now defunct and he is in charge of distributing the remaining club funds to local worthy causes. He offered an incredible five hundred pounds.

“McColls store has given £100 and a local anonymous couple also donated fifty pounds.

“Fiona has already given us seventy pounds and she is still raising money. It really has been absolutely superb.”