THESE children from North Newton Primary School proudly display their certificates after becoming newly-qualified first aiders.

The schoolchildren have completed St John Ambulance’s Young First Aider Course, which taught them the basic skills needed to save a life.

Aged eight to 11, the group of 34 spent six hours with Frances Wade from the charity learning how to deal with unconsciousness, choking, bleeding and shock, among other skills.

David Gliddon, head teacher, said: “It is absolutely invaluable to be learning the basic skills of first aid. Hopefully they will never have to use them, but if they do the patient will be in the best possible hands.

“We are very grateful to Frances and St John Ambulance for making this service available and would recommend the course to any other school.”

Ruby, aged eight, added: “I liked learning about the treatment for burns because a couple of people in my family have burned themselves in the past and they didn’t do anything right.”

Frances said children enjoy learning first aid because they see the relevance to their family lives and it improves the confidence and self esteem.

Any school interested in the scheme should contact Frances Wade on 07912-269872 or e-mail schools@somerset.sja.org.uk.