TWO new defibrillators have been installed in Tranent town centre.

Both were bought by charitable community group Tranent Belters, with plans for cabinets to house the machines given the go-ahead last month.

The first was installed at Thomson’s General Store on Winton Place: it is found on the brick wall in between the red telephone box and the shopfront.

The second was installed beside the East Coast Carpets shop on High Street.

The box is found on a wall to the south-east of the building, in between the window and the neighbouring Betfred bookmakers.

Both were installed by Douglas Robertson and Timmy Thomson, both of whom are stalwarts of the Belters group.

The defibrillators, which cost £1,000 each, are used to restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart.

They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast, and can also be used to restore the heart’s beating if it stops.

Prior to this, all of the defibrillators in Tranent were found within clubs such as the bowling clubs and rugby club, and not available 24/7.

A third defibrillator is expected to be installed near the town’s Asda store.