A POTENTIALLY life-saving device costing only 8p is to be piloted in Selby next week.

The scheme is designed to help anyone in an emergency, but particularly the elderly, vulnerable and chronically sick.

Medical information about the patient, including medication, allergies and next of kin, is recorded and kept in a used film cannister, which is then stored in the patient's fridge.

Emergency services, doctors and carers will be alerted to the cannister's presence by a green cross symbol inside the front door and on the outside of the fridge.

The project, called Data Link Emergency Scheme, has been applauded by police and Neighbourhood Watch.

It was pioneered in West Yorkshire, where 6,000 packs were distributed at a cost of £4,000, or 8p per unit.

The scheme is to be piloted in the Brayton area from Monday by Selby Soroptimists, the town's businesswomen's club.

Packs will be on show at Brayton Community Fun Day on Saturday. For more details phone Kay Enion on 01757 270283 or Linda Reed on 01757 702786.

Updated: 12:48 Tuesday, July 15, 2003