HEARTSTART volunteers are offering free first aid training to people across the borough.

The not-for-profit voluntary group wants to train as many people as possible in the art of emergency first aid.

Last year, Heartstart helped more than 400 people in the North Worcestershire area to cope with a collapsed person.

Co-ordinator Judy Hancox said: “We’re the vital link between somebody collapsing and the ambulance arriving. We can buy people time.

“It only takes two hours to teach someone how to deal with a collapsed person. It’s a simple proceedure and we want more people to come and have a go.

“We can arrange to meet at a time and place to suit, day or evening and everyone taking part will get the chance to practice on manikins.

“We tend to train people at clubs who have a meeting room available, but we have dealt with families as a group.”

Heartstart Bromsgrove and District group operates throughout Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen.

Training sessions are free, but organisers ask for a donation which is passed onto the British Heart Foundation.

To find out more contact Judy Hancox on 01562 883832 or email judyandray@blueyonder.co.uk