A Melksham car parts supplier has taken a potentially lifesaving step, by becoming one of the first local firms to install a defibrillator on its premises.

The Bowerhill-based Melksham Motor Spares has invested in an automated external defibrillator, and has had five of its staff trained to use it by St John Ambulance.

Financial director Alison Cook said: “Following my First Aid at Work training, you are taught how important first response is in treating any casualty.

“Welfare of our staff is paramount to our business and should the worst happen, where a member of staff, customer or other person had a cardiac arrest, having the AED on the premises could be the difference between life and death. You can’t put a price on that.”

The firm has traded in the town for more than 46 years, and supplies parts and accessories across the county.

Managing director Phil Dodd said: “It is important that people in our locality know we have this equipment, it is an investment not only for the welfare of our staff and customers, but to anyone in our immediate community.”