Ilkley will soon be a safer place to live, work and visit thanks to a generous mystery benefactor.

Dr John Neasham, the chairman of Heartstart, has confirmed that the town will receive hi-tech medical equipment to back up volunteers in caring for heart attack victims.

"The good work which can be done by volunteers trained in life support techniques is enhanced many times over by the early use of defibrillators before paramedics can reach the scene," said Dr Neasham.

West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service recommended that Ilkley needed at least two defibrillators.

The British Heart Foundation contributed half of the cost, the Rotary Club of Ilkley promised a further 25 per cent and a local appeal was launched for the final £1,500.

Philip Chinque, co-ordinator for Heartstart, said: "By New Year, it looked as if the appeal would fall substantially below target. At this point, almost on cue, a local male resident who wishes to remain anonymous, sent a cheque to cover the sum needed."

The mystery benefactor said: "I cannot think of a better New Year present for the people of Ilkley as a way of saying 'thank you' for all the work done by those helping the Heartstart campaign, and the doctors and nurses who care for the sick and elderly."

The two defibrillators are being ordered and Mr Chinque is looking to identify the best places to put them.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.