AN ARGUS campaign aiming to get as many life-saving defibrillators available in communities across Sussex has smashed its target in less than six months.

Save a Life is urging businesses, schools, clubs and organisations to make a pledge and get a machine installed in their premises or somewhere in their town or village.

More than 50 organisations from around the county have now been added to a roll of honour after getting in contact with the newspaper and showing their support.

Secamb Brighton operations manager Tim Fellows said: “The Argus has once again shown its true colours as a force for positive change in our communities in Sussex and mobilised people across the county to provide vital life-saving defibrillators."

The Argus set a target of having 50 on its roll of honour and this has now been passed, but the numbers backing the campaign are continuing to rise.

Supporters include the Bishop of Chichester, the Hilton Brighton Metropole and the Waterfront Hotel in Brighton, and DJ Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Café in Hove.

Renowned cardiologist Professor Douglas Chamberlain, East Sussex High Sheriff Juliet Smith and South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) have also backed the campaign.

Lions and Rotary groups and charities such as the Sussex Heart Charity and the Connor Saunders Foundation are also continuing to work to get defibrillators installed where they are needed.

The campaign, launched in October, is calling on hotels, pubs, clubs, supermarkets, shop owners, traders, office workers, community organisations, libraries, gyms, schools, colleges and other locations throughout the county to have a machine.

Defibrillators cost £850 and are simple and safe to use.

Editor of The Argus, Mike Gilson, said: “I’m delighted we’ve reached our target of 50 defibrillators.

“Thanks to all the businesses who have joined us. It is no exaggeration to say that lives will saved because the defibrillators are in place.”

Professor Chamberlain said: “'The Argus has done the local population a great service by encouraging the purchase and placement within the community of automated defibrillators.

“They can be used by anybody with no training or previous knowledge because they will give an electric shock that can restore life only if it is needed.

“We can be sure The Argus initiative will be rewarded over the years by many lives saved that would not otherwise have been possible.”

Mrs Smith said: I have been delighted by the positive response to this campaign and the way schools, hotels, Lions clubs and so many other groups and businesses have got involved.

“It is inevitable that as a result of this campaign, lives will be saved in the future.”