A potentially lifesaving tool has been installed at a Suffolk football ground.

Ipswich Star: Left to right: Phil Barker, chairman of the football club; Richard Farnworth, race director of Felixstowe Runners; John Beer, secretary of the football club; Mark Ford, chairman of Felixstowe Runners. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGLeft to right: Phil Barker, chairman of the football club; Richard Farnworth, race director of Felixstowe Runners; John Beer, secretary of the football club; Mark Ford, chairman of Felixstowe Runners. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING

Last summer, 55 Kirton Kestrels players took part in the fun run at the annual five-mile village race – raising about £1,500 for a defibrillator.

Organisers Felixstowe Road Runners refunded the entry fee and donated £500 to help pay for the device, which delivers a shock to the heart in the event of cardiac arrest.

Football club secretary John Beer said: “It was a real joint effort. Hopefully, we’ll never have to use it, but its a fantastic facility to have there, just in case.”

Under 13s winger Charlie Tranter, who raised about £250 in sponsorship, cut the ribbon to declare the defibrillator ready for use.

Ipswich Star: Representatives from Kirton Kestrels and Felixstowe Runners pictured at the opening ceremony, with a ribbon cut by Charlie Tranter and John Beer from the football club. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGRepresentatives from Kirton Kestrels and Felixstowe Runners pictured at the opening ceremony, with a ribbon cut by Charlie Tranter and John Beer from the football club. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING

It comes with instructions and emergency service support for 999 callers.

Members of the running club committee, including chairman Mark Ford and previous chairman Richard Farnworth, joined the team for the unveiling at Kirton Recreation Ground.

Ipswich Star: Representatives from Kirton Kestrels and Felixstowe Runners are pictured at the opening ceremony. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGRepresentatives from Kirton Kestrels and Felixstowe Runners are pictured at the opening ceremony. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING