The Gaiety Theatre have won a competition to have a brand-new defibrillator installed.

Characters from this year’s Panto Jack and the Beanstalk met with representatives from St Andrew’s First Aid on Thursday, December 19to mark the special occasion and take official receipt of the live-saving equipment.

Until now, the closest defibrillator to the theatre was in nearby council offices which are closed when shows are running.

Michael Stewart from the Gaiety Theatre, said: “We are a small theatre running as a charity and can have as many as 550 people in the audience each evening performance along with volunteers front of house and backstage.

“We are thrilled to have this defibrillator which will help keep everyone safe at both our theatre and available so close to the busy town centre.”