The Bricklayers Arms in Southampton has installed a round-the-clock lifesaving defibrillator after its patrons and community members raised funds for the device.

The defibrillator is mounted on the exterior wall of the 19th century Millbrook pub, providing help to any customers, local residents, and nearby members of the public who may need it.

Landlady of the Bricklayers Arms - known locally as The Brickies - Yaz Rodriguez explains why she wanted to install the device.

(Image: Catherine Collins) READ MORE: Revs revamp brings bargain beers, new cocktails and £5 pizza

“The Brickies is a local pub in the heart of the community,” said Yaz, who took over as landlady earlier this year.

“We know that, over the years, a few customers have passed away from heart disease, and this seemed a really fitting way to honour them.”

Bob Phillips, 72, who helped organise the events, added: “When Yaz told me what she wanted to do, I was on board straight away.

“It’s such an important thing to have available, and really could be the difference between life and death to someone.”

It took just five weeks for the community of the Bricklayers Arms, which is situated on Wimpson Lane, to raise the £2,750 needed to purchase and install the defibrillator through various events including their Sunday Funday.

(Image: The Bricklayers Arms)

"I want to say a huge thank you to all of our customers for supporting the events, buying raffle tickets, and taking part in the auction,” continues Yaz, 57.

“We really couldn’t have done this without you!”

Defibrillators are a medical device which send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat when an individual is in cardiac arrest. If used within the first few minutes of the heart stopping, they improve the chances of survival.

Anyone can use the device by ringing 999 or asking inside the pub for the access code to open the cabinet.

The pub is also planning to install a plaque close to the device, remembering one of its much-loved former customers, Bob’s brother Andrew Phillips, who recently lost his battle with cancer.