A COMMUNITY medical group has assisted in installing a defibrillator at a store in honour of a councillor.

Benfleet Community First Responders worked to get the lifesaving equipment at Spar, High Road, Benfleet.

The defibrillator was donated by family and friends in memory of the former Castle Point mayor Tony Wright.

His family have been fundraising to buy the defibrillator after his life was saved by similar equipment.

Tony suffered a cardiac arrest in Runnymede Swimming Pool, Thundersley, 12 years ago.

The former Essex County Councillor, passed away in January last year aged 79.

Mr Wright had been a Labour Party member since his Air Force days.

The family said they are very grateful to Spar for having the defibrillator and to the first responders for their help securing this placement.