A Darwen conservative club have raised enough money to install a community defibrillator on site.

Through various fundraising events, Hollins Grove Conservative Club on Blackburn Road raised enough money for a new defibrillator for the whole community.

Vince Hitchen, Chairman of Hollins Grove Conservative Club, said: "A special thank you to Dawn Brown, Ann Harwood, Heron Wright and Avi Cluff for all their hard work in helping to organise the events to raise funds.

"Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and supported the events in any way, enabling us to reach our target.

"This defibrillator outside the club will benefit the whole community, and provide the help and assistance needed should the situation arise."

February 12 to 18 is Heart Failure Awareness Week, a nationwide campaign to bring awareness to the risk factors, signs, symptoms, and treatment of heart failure.

Heart failure is a progressive condition in which the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood to supply the body's needs.

Hollins Grove Conservative Club was founded in 1877 and owes its origin to a number of working men who at that time were members of the Liberal Club at Lynwood. This was the only institution of its kind in this part of the town where men congregated for conversation.

These men held political beliefs that were conservative and agreed to meet in the cellar of Mr Billy Holden, Clarence Street.

The agreement was that they should start a conservative club where like minded people could meet.

In recent times the club has been run by its management committee donating their time to benefit the members. 

The club has benefited from numerous contributions along the way and original investments were made from sources including Sir John Rutherford who invested heavily in the club and left a sum in his final will.