LUDLOW Junior School pupils are at the forefront of a campaign to buy vital lifesaving equipment for the community.

Hundreds of pounds have already been raised for a defibrillator, a simple to use machine which analyses heart rhythms and delivers an automatic shock if needed.

With every second counting it has proved effective in saving lives and the aim is to locate it in or around the junior school site, for general use.

Pupils are supporting the project through their involvement with Ludlow Rotary Club’s Junior Community Award.

A recent coffee afternoon at the school, organised by students, raised £285 and has been added to £147 raised from the school’s chocolate draw at Easter.

Ben Willis, Adam Wright, Owen Davies, Rhys Prosser and Amy Edwards have been working with Susan Rew from the Rotary Club since late last year, keeping a diary detailing their involvement in various activities, including community work.

Ben and Adam visited a mosque in Craven Arms to find out more about Ramadan and Ben has also been helping his grandmother with everyday tasks.

The children’s involvement in activities ranging from choral singing to horse-riding have also been noted and discussed, leading to the presentation of awards to the youngsters at a Rotary event.

All of the children went around local shops to secure raffle prizes for the coffee afternoon, designed posters, helped make cakes and manned stalls on the day.

Pupils at the school have been involved in a number of other fundraising activities in recent weeks. Year six students organised face painting and selling lollies and the £131.34p raised will go towards rebuilding a school in Nepal.

All pupils took part in a Dodgeball tournament and raised £167.20p for the British Heart Foundation.