A life-saving machine which can re-start hearts will soon be part of the equipment in an exercise class for heart attack victims.

The briefcase-sized high-tech portable defibrillator will be used by sports scientist John Fearnley, who runs special classes at Keighley Leisure Centre.

"I'm very grateful for the device - it's a real life-saver - but it's the only gift I hope I never to have to use," he said.

The £3,000 defibrillator, donated by Leeds-based Hospital Heartbeat Appeal, delivers an electric shock to re-start the heart of a victim suffering cardiac arrest.

Mr Fearnley has been running cardiac rehabilitation classes since November for people recovering from heart attacks and those with symptoms showing they are suffering from heart problems.

"People who have had a heart attack have six weeks of rehabilitation sessions at Airedale General Hospital," he said. "I attend and talk about fitness and try to encourage them to attend the classes.

"It's important that people don't get back into the habits that have led to heart trouble in the first place.

"My classes are planned to give the right intensity and frequency of exercise which enables people to reduce the risk of further cardiac problems."

He is now waiting for special training in the use of the defibrillator, which he hopes to be completed within a month.

Leisure chief Councillor Barry Thorne (Lab, Keighley West) said: "The defibrillator is an extremely useful device in an environment where there is potential for heart problems, such as in a gymnasium or fitness class."

Alec Bloom, chairman of the Hospital Heartbeat Appeal, said a number of defibrillators had been presented to cardiac rehabilitation centres in the Bradford and Leeds area over the past 12 months.

"In an area where there are a lot of people taking exercise, they may be vulnerable to cardiac arrest and this device provides a means of resuscitation,'' he said.

l Cardiac rehabilitation classes are held every Monday and Friday between 5.45pm and 6.45pm at £3 a session. About 14 people, aged between their late 30s and 60s, attend. Anyone interested should turn up on the day at Keighley Leisure Centre or telephone Mr Fearnley on 01535 608920.

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