Mansfield Senior Reds walking footballers can now play with peace of mind thanks to the donation of a portable defibrillator from Mansfield Building Society.

The club caters for anyone over 50 who wants to keep fit and socialise through sport. It has over 60 members with the oldest 76.

Many of the venues where the group competes do not have a defibrillator and a couple of incidents had highlighted the need for one.

The Reds applied to the building society through its Community Support Scheme, asking if it would cover the £1,000-plus costs of a portable defibrillator.

Instead of donating funds to the group, the society gifted the Reds a defibrillator for them to take on their travels.

Silvano Taylor, manager of Mansfield Senior Reds Walking, said: “The club allows members to enjoy exercise, no matter what their fitness level, in a relaxed and social environment.

“We are very grateful to Mansfield Building Society for the portable defibrillator. With many of the players over the age of 50, there is a greater need to ensure our team can compete safely, and enjoy the game knowing that they have the appropriate safeguards available should they need them.”

Gev Lynott, chief executive at the society, met the senior reds at a training session at Mansfield Rugby Club to present the defibrillator.

He said: “It was a pleasure to meet members of the team and see how they get to keep fit while meeting new people and socialising.

“It was also great to hear of the success the Reds have had since their formation in 2014.”

The building society’s community support scheme funds groups and organisations in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, meeting twice yearly in May and November to consider funding requests.

For more information or to download an application form, go to http://mansfieldbs.co.uk/community-support-scheme

Mansfield Senior Reds meet on Mondays at Mansfield Rugby Club, from 10am-11am, and on Thursdays, from 11am-noon.

For more information on the club go to their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/mansfieldseniorredswalkingfootballclub