A MAN'S life has been saved by a defibrillator which was installed in a public place. 

The member of the public collapsed at the Masonic Hall in Swanage on Tuesday.

Rescuers followed instructions given by the defibrillator's automatic sensors and shocked the patient with a powerful electric charge.

Once heartbeat and breathing were restored, the patient was taken to hospital.

Dorset Freemasons installed 17 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for public use around the county four years ago.

The Provincial Grand Master for Dorset, Richard Merritt, said: “The Freemasons of Dorset are proud to have been able to provide this service to the public and it is gratifying to know that our machines are available 24 hours a day to help save lives”.