A GROUP which offers support to residents who have had heart problems has spent thousands of pounds and many hours training to help keep people healthy.

Redditch Hale and Hearties, which runs keep-fit classes and support meetings, has just spent £4,000 to buy two defibrillators and has had members trained in the use of the life-saving machines.

The group gives support to people and their families who have experienced such things as heart attacks, valve replacement, bypass operations and angina attacks.

When heart patients are discharged from the Alexandra Hospital, they are asked to attend rehabilitation classes.

When they have completed these, they are told to visit Hale and Hearties to take part in the keep-fit classes and meetings where there are often guest speakers.

Chairman Brian Wattison said: "Should the worst happen and somebody has a coronary attack at any of the classes, 10 of our members and two of our keep-fit instructors are now trained to use the defibrillators to help save their lives.

"We took part in an intensive course at St John Ambulance in Worcester and gained our certificates and every six months we go back to make sure we're still up to the standard needed - it's an ongoing process.

"We wanted to do this so there is now comfort and reassurance for people who do wish to attend our meetings but fear they may have an attack."

Anyone who would like more details on the group can call Mr Wattison on 459047.