A PUB in Herefordshire has completed a project in which it raised funds to fit a defibrillator.

The landlords of the Oak Inn in Staplow, near Ledbury, is hoping the pub's new defibrillator will never have to be used, but says it will be worth it if it saves even one life.

The pub's campaign was launched in February, when the pub started raising money by inviting people to write love letters to hang on its Valentine's tree. 

The Oak Inn raised £2,000 by taking a donation for each message, paying for a large chunk of the lifesaving device. Another £400 was raised through a quiz night.

Other local pubs also came together to support the Oak's project, with the Bell Inn in Bosbury and the Moody Cow in Upton Bishop also contributing to the cost of the defibrillator.

The defibrillator has now been installed at the pub by London Grants, which part grant funded it.

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The pub's landlord Chris Howell said: "We are delighted with the response and sincerely hope it's never used. However, even if it helps save one life it will be well worth the efforts.

"The money left over will go towards first aid and defibrillator training in association with Bosbury Parish Council. The date is to be announced and will be held at the pub with members of the public invited.

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"One of our slogans is "Please remember that together we're stronger" and this certainly proved this! We have fantastic support and we really appreciate our wonderful and loyal customers."

In the UK, as many as 100,000 hospital admissions each year are due to heart attacks. It's estimated that over one million men and 300,000 women alive in the UK today have survived a heart attack. 

The pub is well-known for its homecooked food and range of events like live music. The next event is a Father's Day "reggae footie party" on Sunday, June 16, featuring reggae artist Golty, who will perform live at 6pm.