PERFORMANCES by a local Morris side have been a lifesaver.

It comes after Lyme Morris donated £500 to Lyme Heartbeat, money which was collected during performances over the last 12 months.

The donation will help with the ongoing maintenance costs of the 10 public access defibrillators Lyme Heartbeat look after in and around the town.

The donation was presented to Lyme Heartbeat coordinators Rob and Karen James by Lyme Morris Squire Peter Morton during Lyme Morris’ first performance of of the season outside The Harbour Inn. A good-sized crowd watched the group perform several of their routines and Rob James gave a brief presentation on how defibrillators can help save lives in the event of a cardiac arrest.

A further £48 for Lyme Heartbeat was collected on the night.

Mr James said: “ I’d like to say a big thank you to Lyme Morris for this very generous donation which will help fund the purchase of battery packs which need replacing every few years plus the renewal of defibrillator pads which need replacing after every use or if they reach their expiry date."

Defibrillators are life saving devices. After a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces someone’s chance of survival by as much as 70 per cent.

Each of the 10 units managed by Lyme Heartbeat is registered with South Western Ambulance Service and The Circuit, the National Defibrillator Network, which means a caller to 999 will be directed to their nearest device if one is required.

Lyme Morris are currently recruiting new musicians and male dancers of any age - no previous experience is required.

The group, representing Lyme Regis and Uplyme, perform in their white and green livery and iconic top hats. They’re a traditional morris dancing side favouring the use of long sticks with high energy, high impact dances. They’re focused on having fun for both the performers and the watching public.

For further information call Pete Morton on 07917 748087.