Shopping centre staff have been trained to use the defibrillators

The life-saving equipment will be provided by the Lincolnshire Ambulance Service and British Heart Foundation.

It is the second machine for the centre which has already trained several shop and security staff to use it.

It gives a controlled electric shock to restore the heart to its normal rhythm. The defibrillators have been described as "priceless" by a heart charity.

Frank Priest was the first shopper to benefit from a defibrillator in the centre in 1999.

Significant step

Mr Priest, 58, of Cleethorpes, suffered a cardiac arrest at the centre and was resuscitated by members of Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service, who were giving a demonstration nearby.

The new defibrillator is one of 43 machines for which Lincolnshire Ambulance Service has received funding as part of the National Defibrillator Programme.

The programme aims to put more than 2,000 machines in public places across the country, including Butlins in Skegness, Lincoln city centre, Lincoln Cathedral and Boston Borough Council.

Regional director of the British Heart Foundation Laurence Littler said it was a significant step forward in emergency care for cardiac patients.

"When we meet people whose lives have been saved by defibrillators, we learn that their value is priceless," he said.

"Now, with the crucial help of trained volunteers and the expertise of the ambulance trusts, we will be able to give many more people a second chance at life and keep more hearts beating."