A cycle challenge is underway in Stroud to raise money for installing defibrillators in the town centre.

Rather than risk the road, Jenny Harding and friend John are using exercise bikes, having started on Sunday.

She has has set herself a challenge of 78 miles by the end of the bank holiday break, when friends also taking part are making their way from Cannock.

John, a keen cyclist, is aiming for a whopping 300 miles.

Jenny’s efforts are part of a wider push involving Stroud Town Council to pay for AEDs (automated external defibrillators).

Businesses have been sent letters from the council asking for donations.

“It’s crazy a town the size of Stroud does not already have an easily accessible one already in place," said Jenny.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of premature death - and immediate treatment can save lives.

Yet there are no 24 hour publicly accessible defibrillators in the centre of Stroud.

There’s one in the bowling alley as well as the Crown and Sceptre but, as Jenny points out, these are too far from the high street for use in a situation where time is of the essence.

The town’s dental surgeries also have defibs on site, with all staff trained to use them, but these aren’t registered with the ambulance service and nor are they available 24 hours a day.

Facing a total price tag of £1,645 for the first, Jenny has so far raised £395 on her crowdfunding page.

She is also organising a pub quiz on Friday, June 27 at the Fresh Ground Cafe in Cainscross - a curry will also be included in the ticket price.

To donate to Jenny’s cause, visit her page https://bit.ly/2HUhoBP