YOUNGSTERS have been benefiting from free first aid lessons.

The project, funded by Canvey Town Council and Thames Ambulance Service, involved every Year 7 pupil at Castle View School being taught basic first aid skills. The scheme is the first of its kind in the country and it is hoped more money will be invested by other organisations to provide the lessons for more children.

Becky Carter, Year 7 leader at the school, said the children had a great time. She said: “We felt that training was of great importance to them as they are becoming more independent and spend more free time without adult supervision.

“It is crucial at their age they are equipped with the skills to enable them to cope in an emergency situation. Pupils said it was great fun.”

All of the pupils, aged 11 and 12 years old, learned how to resuscitate someone, to treat simple wounds and put people in the recovery position.