AN APPEAL has been launched to raise funds for live-saving equipment to be used on Windermere and within 500 metres of the lakeshore.

Shock Wave aims to raise £12,355 to be able to extend the safety cover provided on England's largest lake to local residents, day-trippers and holidaymakers.

Businesses and organisations around the lake are being urged to dig deep for donations to help purchase at least four defibrillators and associated equipment, enabling cardiac victims to be treated within vital minutes of an attack.

South Lakeland District Council lake wardens and rangers - who would act as "community first responders" - have been holding talks with Cumbria Ambulance Service, which would provide the training free of charge.

Adrian Faulkner, a voluntary warden with the lake rangers and Windermere parish council chairman, said letters had gone out to local businesses and groups for help, and he hoped to see all the funds raised by Christmas.

Mr Faulkner considered the initiative to be "unique throughout the UK" as the first water-borne body to have and to use defibrillators.

"We shall be able to go up to places in Ambleside a lot quicker by boat, especially in summer, and if anything happens within 500 metres of the shoreline, we will be able to get there a lot faster than the paramedics.

It is not a question of taking over from them - we will be working alongside them."

One local organisation has offered to stage a fund-raising disco for the appeal, he added, while The Mariners, in Lake Road, Bowness, is also planning a charity evening.

A bid has also been made to the British Heart Foundation for a grant towards the costs.

Any extra monies received above the required amount would go towards additional defibrillators to be used within Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside.

Donations should be sent to Adrian Faulkner, C/O The Mariners, Lake Road, Bowness, Cumbria, LA23 3AP.