Organisers of a popular north Norfolk dog show are urging supporters to make next month's event the biggest ever in a bid to raise cash for a community defibrillator.

Jo and Glenn Berry hope to raise at least �1,800 with their Happisburgh Scruffs Jubilee Dog Show, on Sunday August 12, to buy one of the potentially life-saving pieces of medical equipment for their village.

The defibrillator would probably hang somewhere in the main street and the Berrys plan to use any surplus cash from the dog show to provide first-aid training for villagers.

The machine would come under the charge of Happisburgh Parish Council, where Mr Berry is chairman.

Mrs Berry, who has been staging charity dog shows at her Hall Farm home since 2004, said this year's good cause idea came to her after reading an article in the News.

Our edition of April 26 carried an appeal from Hayden Newton, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service, a former paramedic, for more communities to raise cash for a defibrillator.

The devices hang in boxes on high street walls and can kick-start the hearts of cardiac arrest victims.

They can be operated by local trained volunteers, or any member of the public, and have saved lives by providing vital first aid before emergency services arrive.

'I read the article and thought 'what a brilliant idea. Happisburgh's an isolated place. That's what we'll raise money for this year,'' said Mrs Berry.

She is appealing for more show sponsors, raffle prizes and homemade cakes for the event which will feature a terrier show, family dog show, gun-dog scurry and agility and novelty classes.

Refreshments are being donated by professional cake-maker Mellie Whiteside, who is also a Happisburgh resident. There will also be a hog roast and ice creams.

'Everyone gets involved. It's a real community effort,' Mrs Berry added.

In the past show proceeds have helped causes including the village school and Coastal Concern Action Group.

Mrs Berry said they hoped this year's show, whose honorary president is their pet dog Sir Reggie, would attract 1,000 visitors.

? The show begins at 1pm at Hall Farm, Grubb Street, Happisburgh NR12 0RQ. Visit www.hallfarmforage.co.uk or ring 01692 650321.