CAR boot sales in Musselburgh are continuing to raise funds for life-saving defibrillators for the area.

The events, organised by the Rotary Club of Musselburgh, are held regularly at Fisherrow Community Centre on South Street.

The next car boot sale is this Sunday, from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Cars cost £10 and vans £15, with an additional table £5. Table sale tables are £10.

The car park opens at 8am for sellers.

Rotarians also have their own tables selling quality goods at the events, the proceeds of which go to the defibrillator fund.

The club currently has provided eight defibrillators which are in operation at the harbour toilet block, Pinkie Farm Shop, Fisherrow Community Centre, Inveresk Lodge, Whitecraig Village Hub, Wallyford Day-Today store and Musselburgh Baptist Church.

It is also in the process of ‘adopting’ the defibrillator at Fruit Bakes on High Street.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is used to administer an electric shock to a person who is having a cardiac arrest. The equipment is designed to allow non-medical personnel to save lives.

AEDs can also be referred to as public access defibrillators (PAD) if they are made accessible in a location for public use.

Brian Johnstone, who is leading the project on behalf of the club, said: “We have been operating these for four years now.

“They can only be accessed in an emergency.

“During a 999 call, the operator will advise a caller where the nearest defibrillator is and what the code is to open the box.

“They are extremely simple to use, as the unit has verbal prompts on what to do.

“The operator on the 999 call will also assist until emergency services arrive.

“The defibrillators are also available for ambulance crews to access, along with the police if necessary.

“They are accessed and removed on a regular basis by the public and the emergency services.

“Most of the time this is as a precautionary measure and are returned unused.

“The investment cost for the Rotary club was substantial at the outset and ongoing running costs are also expensive.

“A set of pads on each defibrillator can only be used once and cost £180 to replace.

“Batteries also need replacing regularly and they cost £170 each.

“Most of our fundraising efforts are around ensuring we have enough funds to meet these costs.

“We are always looking for donations from members of the community towards this very worthwhile service and any contributions would be greatly received.

“If anyone wishes to do that, please direct message us on our Facebook page The Rotary Club of Musselburgh, or email us at musselburghrotary@gmail.com”

He said that the club planned to continue to roll out more of the equipment in due course around the area.

He added: “If anyone knows of any other defibrillators in and around the town or have them available in their workplace that they should check to ensure they are registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“This will ensure they are available in the case of a nearby emergency.

“Again, if anyone needs any assistance doing this, please email us and we will be delighted to help.”