Richard Spendlove MBE, local broadcaster and TV writer, has donated a defibrillator to the Viva Theatre in Soham.

Richard, a patron of the Viva Arts and Community Group since it was founded in 1997, has donated the life-saving equipment in memory of his late wife, Betty, who sat opposite him in the BBC studio during Richard’s Saturday night radio show.

A group of 12 Viva volunteers have now completed an accredited first aid course and learned how to use the defibrillator.

It is adjustable for use on adults and children and is the model recommended by The British Heart Foundation.

Dan Schumann DL, founder of Viva Arts and Community Group (pictured with Richard Spendlove at the Viva Theatre with the defibrillator, said: “We are so grateful to Richard for his generosity in supplying the defibrillator, and for his unwavering support over the years.

“Hopefully we will never have to use it, but it is reassuring that it is there in an emergency and a group of our volunteers are now trained in its use.”

Richard was discovered by a BBC executive when he was heard making announcements at Ely Railway Station.

His voice has been heard on various radio shows across the South and South East of England.

He is also known for writing the popular BBC TV series Oh, Dr Beeching with the legendary David Croft (Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served?, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi! And ‘Allo ‘Allo!).

In June 2000 Richard was awarded the MBE for 'Services to Regional and Local Broadcasting'.

(Image: Viva Soham)