VILLAGERS raising money for life-saving equipment are hoping a love of tea, coffee and local history will give their appeal a boost.

There are plans to install a heart defibrillator on the outside wall of the Whitecroft Memorial Hall and the latest fund-raising scheme is to sell mugs with a local twist.

The mugs are festooned in phrases featuring places and people associated with the village such as Dadown, Eddie Ruck, the pin factory, Marigold Gloves and Gruffy Aldridge.

The defibrillator, which restores the heart’s correct rhythm, costs £1,500 and West Dean Parish Council has contributed £750.

About half of the remaining amount has been raised by a number of events and donations.

The mugs cost £7 and come in four colours. For more information call Jenny on 07908 374291, search for the memorial hall on Facebook or visit www.whitecroftvillage.co.uk