FOREST of Dean District Council was one of five finalists in the UK public sector organisation of the year category at the recent UK Heart Safe Awards in Manchester.

The national award recognises a public sector organisation, which has invested in life saving equipment and staff training to provide a Heart Safe environment for employees, clients and customers.

Cllr Carole Allaway Martin, cabinet member for housing and well-being, said: “The council received the nomination for its role in enabling local communities to be more resilient through community defibrillation, health delivery projects and community engagement.”

Cllr Terry Hale, cabinet member for the community, added: “We would also like to remind parish councils that there is still match funding available for community defibrillators and we would urge people to apply.  Application forms are available in the community engagement section of our website www.fdean.gov.uk”