A regional daily’s appeal to get life saving defibrillators installed across its patch has smashed its target.

The Argus, Brighton, is celebrating after its Save a Life campaign saw more than 50 oganisations pledge to install the machines, which increase the chance of survival for victims of cardiac arrest, at venues across Sussex during the past six months.

The campaign called on hotels, pubs, clubs, supermarkets, shop owners, traders, office workers, community organisations, libraries, gyms, schools, colleges and other locations throughout the county to have one of the machines, which cost £850 each.

Supporters of the campaign include the Bishop of Chichester and DJ Fatboy Slim.

Argus editor Mike Gilson, left, receives a defibrillator for the newspaper’s office from Tim Fellows, of South East Coast Ambulance Service

Argus editor Mike Gilson said: “I’m delighted we’ve reached our target of 50 defibrillators.

“Thanks to all the businesses who have joined us. It is no exaggeration to say that lives will saved because the defibrillators are in place.”

Renowned cardiologist Professor Douglas Chamberlain added: “The Argus has done the local population a great service by encouraging the purchase and placement within the community of automated defibrillators.

“They can be used by anybody with no training or previous knowledge because they will give an electric shock that can restore life only if it is needed.

“We can be sure The Argus initiative will be rewarded over the years by many lives saved that would not otherwise have been possible.”