Youth groups are being urged to book free first aid courses after a scheme won vital funding.

St John Ambulance, based in Powers Hall End, Witham, successfully bid for £10,000 of funding earlier this year from Braintree Council.

The money will allow the group to hold 75 free first aid courses across the district for up to 2,300 youngsters.

So far, 22 sessions, involving brownies, beavers, cubs and scout groups, have been held, with another 13 sessions already scheduled between now and March.

Paul Knighton, community training manager for the East of England, said: “This is such a great opportunity for groups of children and young people to learn life-saving skills.

“They are proving popular, but we do still have some spaces available in the coming months.

“We believe first aid training is extremely beneficial to young people - not only can it help save lives, but it can also increase their feeling of self-worth.”

The two-hour course, which is aimed at ages five to 19, can be held at St John Ambulance’s Witham base, or first aid trainers can visit the youth groups on-site.

For more information, email east-training@sja.org.uk or telephone 01245 291301.