School pupils from across Essex have the opportunity to learn potentially life-saving skills as part of a brand new initiative from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

The air borne paramedics will lead a crash course in CPR, a simple first aid move that can help pump blood around a person's body when their heart fails and can greatly increase chances of survival.

The Charity’s Critical Care Team will visit schools and carry out the free training session, teaching pupils the theory and practical steps of performing CPR.

Pupils will take away a certificate to show they have undergone the training.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic, Adam Carr, said: “Our Skills for Life training programme is suitable for children of all ages and arms them with essential skills that could one day, help save a life.

"We hope schools take advantage of this great opportunity and get in touch with us. Skills for Life is offered for free and is made possible thanks to The Brian Shipley Fund.

"Brian was our Founder and he was passionate about educating people. This fund has been granted to us by his family and we are proud to carry this work in his memory.”