A 'LIFE saving' device has been presented to a Great Harwood solicitors in memory of dad who died from a sudden heart attack.

Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors, which has a base in Great Harwood, received a portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from The Philip Maher Foundation.

The device, which delivers an electrical current to the chest to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm, was handed over to the Queen Street company this week.

Residents will have access to the equipment in the case of an emergency.

Stuart Maher, managing director of Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors, Trustee of the Foundation and son of Phil Maher, said: "The kit is fitted at the front of the building, outside Queen Street so can easy be sighted.

"The money raised by the Foundation comes from various events, individuals raising generous amounts of money, mountain climbs and marathons as well as a buy a pint scheme which allows people to donate £3 or more a month which costs the same as a pint.

"As a trustee, we set up the charity because we had too many kind donations in lieu of flowers after my dad's funeral and I wanted to put it to good use.

"I am sure we will continue to raise more funds and due to the locations of installing them at sports fields and in the town, it is becoming more visible and this is important."

The Foundation was set up last year after Great Harwood sportsman, Philip Maher, 62, died from a heart attack on January 8, 2015.

He collapsed at Blackburn Soccer Dome, while he was playing a five-a-side football game with friends.

Mr Maher played for local amateur teams for more than 40 years including Great Harwood Town, The Beehive pub in Blackburn and The Hare and Hounds pub in Oswaldtwistle.

Since May 2015, the trust has raised enough money to purchase four lifesaving kits, with the first handed over to Great Harwood Cricket Club.

The next one is planned for outside Great Harwood Methodist Church in King Street.

Mr Maher, said: "My dad was a massive sportsman and a cricketer and his funeral saw more than 1,000 people in attendance.

"We came up with the idea to buy just one of the kits at the start but it has just gone from strength to strength."

To donate to the Foundation, visit: www.justgiving.com/philip-maher/.