PUPILS at Kewaigue Primary School are learning how to be lifesavers thanks to a link up with St John Ambulance.

The life saving organisation holds a first aid club at the school which is designed to teach children how to respond in an emergency.

The club was started in March and is run by Helen Bennett the school's liaison officer for St John Ambulance.

She said: "Children can save a life like any other person – they can actually make the difference and save a life. The younger you get a child to do first aid the better – then they are not afraid to have a go and are very enthusiastic."

So far three groups of children, in year's one and two, have taken part in the lunchtime sessions which are run once a week over the school term.

Children are taught basic first aid skills including how to put someone in the recovery position, apply a bandage, clean a wound and importantly who to call in an emergency.

As well as informal discussions the children take part in practical exercises and are given homework to do such as finding out the contents of a first aid kit.

Helen continued: "This is what first aid is all about – having fun and helping people. The children seem to really like it."

Harry Cowley, seven, has been going to the first aid club for three weeks. He said: "I wanted to learn something new."

Caly Glassey, also seven, said: "I like doing bandages - it's fun. I think I'll be able to help somebody who needs help."

Any young people who are interested in first aid are encouraged to join the Badgers – the youngest group of St John Ambulance whose members are aged five to 10. For more information telephone 01624 674387.