When Shadsworth shopkeeper, Tom Hall, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 8, his son, Jason, and daughter-in-law, Sue, said they would use any donations from well wishers to purchase a defibrillator for the shop.

Mr Hall had served at the heart of his community in Tom's Shop on Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, for almost 50 years, working alongside wife, Joan, who died two and a half years ago.

Upon hearing of his death, Shadsworth resident, David Wallace, who spent 15 years in the ambulance service and now trains people in first aid and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), has provided the shop with their sought after defib.

Mr Wallace, who lives on Shadsworth Road, not far from Tom's Shop, said: "I live just seven doors away from the shop and am also a supplier and trainer of defibrillators.

"After reading the article in the Telegraph about how Sue and Jason wanted a defib, I contacted the family, and thanks to the donations from Shads Chefs and the people of Shadsworth, the top of the range AED was purchased and was presented to Sue Hall and is now displayed and available in the shop."

Mrs Hall said that the purchase of the defib wouldn't have been possible without the help of Shads Chefs.

She said: "I want to say a massive thank you to Shads Chefs as they've been amazing.

"We're a community here and we want to continue to be all about the community.

"The shop is open from 6am until 10pm, and if anyone needs to use the defib they can.

"I know there's a hospital at the top of the hill but those few minutes are vital and if having a defib can help save a family or friend's life then that will be amazing."

Mr Wallace said that he is now planning to arrange a display and training session for Sunday July 28, between 2pm and 3pm, where people can drop into the shop and learn what to do and how to use a defib in the event of dealing with a collapse.

He added: "The training day will provide people with vital information that may help save someone's life.

"And Sue will be supplying free tea, coffee and cakes."