TETBURY will be a safer place thanks to the fund-raising efforts of staff from a local gym.

A family-fun day in Tetbury Recreation Ground organised by Priory Gym, Priory Park, raised £3,700 to buy two new defibrillators for the town.

Around 300 people turned out on June 7 for a day of fun activities that included a football tournament, bouncy castle, face painting, bouncy castle and BBQ.

Money was raised through an auction which started a week before with top prizes such as an Audi weekend driving experience and an expensive Dyson vacuum cleaner up for grabs.

On the day a raffle raised more money with great prizes including a meal for four at the Priory Inn.

The strapping lads from the Priory Gym A swept to victory in the 12-a-side football tournament, edging the team from Woodlodge based at Babdown Airfield.

Enough money was raised to afford two life-saving defibrillators for the town and the Priory Gym is liaising with Tetbury Town Council to find the best locations to house them.

The day raised much more than the £2,400 goal and organisers are planning on giving any surplus to the British heart Foundation.

 “It was a really great day and loads of people came along – it was much bigger than we thought it would be,” said Priory Gym owner Alice Hocking. “There were lots of happy faces which was great to see.

“The weather definitely helped but the generosity of the community was unbelievable.”