Parents, staff and children at two North Walsham schools have raised nearly £2,000 to buy a life-saving defibrillator.

The machine, which can administer a shock to force the heart back into a normal rhythm, has been installed on an outside wall near the entrance to the infant school and nursery, and the junior school, on Manor Road.

Clare Fletcher, executive headteacher of the two schools, said they had wanted to support North Walsham Mayor Jacqueline Belson's chosen cause for her term of office, which was to provide defibrillators in North Walsham.

Much of the cash was raised at a 999 fundraising day last May, organised by the Friends' associations of both schools.

Representatives from the fire, police, ambulance and coastguard services had attended and there had also been a car boot sale and stalls.

'You never know when it might be needed. The school will keep it in good working order but it's for use by the public as well,' said Mrs Fletcher.

Anyone locally ringing 999 because someone was suffering a heart attack, could be given a pin number and directions to find the defibrillator so that it could be used while they waited for professional help to arrive.

Have you got a health story for the EDP? Email health correspondent Adam Gretton at adam.gretton@archant.co.uk