WEMYSS Bay is now a safer place to live thanks to a campaign to put a life-saving defibrillator in place in the village.

Mum of three Beth MacLeod, who is the chair of the Wemyss Bay Community Association, launched the bid and was overwhelmed with the support she received.

Local people who rallied to the cause raised £1,300 for a device which is located outside the community centre and can be accessed by anyone in an emergency.

Delighted Beth said: "This has been a real community effort and I am very proud of what has been achieved.

"We have had a great response from local people.

"The community centre is used by so many organisations for people of all ages.

"It became obvious to me that we needed a defibrillator in case of emergency."

As a local mum Beth became in involved in the association because she recognised how important it was to have a thriving community centre with plenty of activities.

But she wanted to make safety a priority and set about fundraising for the machine.

Beth added: "I contacted the Largs First Responders for advice and they have been amazing.

"We are hopeful to get training sessions in the centre as soon as possible.

"The case cannot be opened unless 999 is called and they will give you the desired code.

"The kit has been updated in the Scottish ambulance register and can be used by paramedics and first responders."

The First Responders were huge supporters of the campaign along with other local organisations like Ardgowan Football Development (AFD).

Ian Buchan, of AFD, said: "We have offered to provide first aid training.

"We know how important a defibrillator is and we wanted to get involved and show our support.

"We work with 180 local kids and we helped with fundraising."

Beth has also showed her support for the current Show Some Heart campaign in memory of Jayden Orr, the Port schoolboy who tragically collapsed and died while ice skating.

His parents are fundraising to put defibrillators into every school in Inverclyde.

Beth added: "I think it is incredible what they are doing.

"As a school teacher I know how important it is."