MARKET traders have turned life savers after raising money to install a defibrillator in Leyland town centre.

Leyland is now a heart safe town after dedicated Leyland Market stall holders worked together to raise funds for the life-saving machine.

The stall holders ran a raffle and tombola to contribute towards the cost of the defibrillator. They also sold prints of the old North Works, where the market now stands, by local artist Bill Southworth.

Generous donations were received by Olympus Security, Geraud Markets (UK) Ltd and local organisation The Leyland and Cuerden Valley Lions.

This fantastic effort has seen a public access defibrillator installed on the front wall of the market on Northcote Street and it is available for anyone to use in case of emergency.

Not only will visitors to the bustling market hall now feel safer, they can also browse six new stalls!

Shoppers can check out all the latest mobile phones and electronic gadgets at Phonebox; buy greetings cards at ADore Cards, and pick up a tasty treat to take home at Market Patisseries.

There’s also Nuttall’s Retail, a brand new haberdashery stall, as well as Little Movers Dancewear, which stocks everything you may need for the tiny dancers in your life, and after all that shopping you may well be grateful for a chance to pamper yourself at Ju’ell Nails & Beauty.

The new vendors make a great addition to the other fantastic stalls on the busy three-day market, which include a hair salon, key cutting stall, fruit and veg, seamstress, butchers, sweet shop, cosmetics stall, fancy goods stall, jewellery, and much more.

There’s also the busy Market Café which attracts people from far and wide.

Councillor Phil Smith, South Ribble Borough Council cabinet member for regeneration and leisure said:The installation of the defibrillator in Leyland Market is a perfect example of a community working together. Leyland Market stallholders and customers can be very proud of themselves after raising enough money to buy the life-saving machine. I would also like to thank the three companies who donated large sums of money to the cause.”

Market Manager Paula Halliwell said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that our stallholders and customers have raised enough money for the defibrillator. We’re hoping we don’t have to use it much but should an emergency arise, we can now act fast and hopefully save lives.

We’re also delighted to be welcoming six new stall holders. They’re all settled in and customers have been telling us how much they’re enjoying the new variety of items they can buy.

It’s never been a better time to shop local and with everything from cards and gifts to haircuts and manicures, we’re giving Leyland’s shoppers all they need under one roof.

Leyland Market is open every Tuesday and Friday from 8.30am to 5pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

For news and all the latest offer visit the Leyland Market Facebook page www.facebook.com/leylandmarket