A SHIPSTON charity has been awarded a Community Initiative award for its lifesaving Hearts & Goals campaign.

Arrhythmia Alliance picked up the gong at the Excellence in Community Awards at a ceremony in Stoke-on-Trent.

It was presented with a Training and Defibrillator Award in appreciation of its support of defibrillator initiatives through its Hearts & Goals campaign.

Bobby Qayum, community response manager at West Midlands Ambulance, said he nominated the charity for its work in raising awareness and installing 23 defibrillators in the West Midlands.

“The awards provide us with the opportunity to formally thank members of the community across the West Midlands for their vital contribution to saving lives and Arrhythmia Alliance are truly deserved of this award,” he said.

Trudie Lobban, Arrhythmia Alliance founder and trustee, said they were proud to receive the award.

“Through the campaign we have helped communities across the UK place more than 160 AEDs,” she said.

“It is a real honour to be recognised by our local ambulance service in this way.”