When Mike Stone suffered a heart attack having a defibrillator close to hand helped him enjoy another decade of precious life.

So when Mr Stone passed away earlier this year his widow decided she wanted to help others faced by the same perilous situation.

Now funds donated at Mr Stone's funeral are being set aside to install a defibrillator on Sheringham seafront.

The equipment can be used by anyone and sends a high energy electric shock to restore the heart's rhythm when it stops.

Mr Stone's widow Jo said: 'We were on holiday in Italy in 2006 and had been to see an opera in Verona when all of a sudden Mike just fell to the floor.

'There was no suggestion there had been anything wrong with him - he had an active job and seemed very fit.

'Paramedics came along and administered treatment with a defibrillator without which he would not have survived.

'What we are doing seems a fitting tribute to Mike, which will help save other lives.'

Mrs Stone moved to Sheringham with her husband, a self-employed carpenter, from the West Midlands 26 years ago.

He had shown no signs of ill-health before suffering a heart attack in 2006. Mr Stone passed away in February, aged 72, after being diagnosed with end stage heart failure.

'Mike was kind, generous, decent and a popular figure in Sheringham,' said Mrs Stone.

'He was a bit of a character and a humorous man, who was interested in music, reading, quizzes, politics and a massive Wolves supporter.'

'He was not a big cheese, but was always happy to use his skills to help others.'

Mourners packed Mr Stone's funeral service with the wake held at the Lobster Inn in Sheringham - one of his favourite watering holes.

Almost £900 has so far been donated towards the defibrillator appeal.

Cheques, made payable to Blyth & Sons, can be sent for the appeal to Blyth & Sons Funeral Services, 4 Cremer Street, Sheringham NR26 8DZ.