A LIFE-saving piece of equipment has been fitted at a Ryedale hotel.

The George & Dragon Hotel in Kirkbymoorside, was provided with a defibrillator for public access by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Owner Alison Nicholas said they had been considering fundraising to buy one and had approached the charity for advice.

"I had recently been on a first aid course and saw how easy the defibrillators were to use," she added.

"The Air Ambulance had a number of spare defibrillators and offering to install one in the hotel."

Alison said the equipment was easy to use and access to the hotel was available from around 7am to 11.30pm each day.

"If a defibrillator can be used it can make a huge difference," she said.

"They should be available in all rural areas as they have the potential to save many lives."