Stockport Sports Trust (SST) has launched a Community First Responder Scheme by installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in some of its leisure centres and training staff in their use.

David McNally, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) First Responder manager, who trained the trust's staff in how to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest, said: "When someone collapses due to cardiac arrest, the first few minutes are crucial.

"Chances of survival are improved if prompt, appropriate action is taken and that is why we are so pleased that the Sports Trust has joined the scheme."

Mandy Waller, assistant operations manager at SST, said "Stockport Sports Trust are continuously looking for ways to improve their service offering to customers and obviously as the biggest local leisure provider we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of all who choose us to provide them with a first class leisure and sport environment.

"We are most grateful to the North West Ambulance service for ensuring our staff are appropriately trained on this essential life saving equipment and also for assisting us to install the machines at many of our facilities. Hopefully we will be able to extend this to all centres in the foreseeable future."

The AEDs will be located at Target Fitness+ Cheadle, Hazel Grove and Romiley, Target Fitness Avondale, Marple and Peel Moat and Target Life Hazel Grove and Lapwing.