PUPILS from an Evesham school have proved they have what it takes to be lifesavers.

The youngsters have been trained in first aid with some of them already using their skills in medical emergencies.

The training was part of the St Egwin's Middle School's commitment to first aid and it has now become the fourth school in Worcestershire to receive the St John Ambulance Schools Mark Award.

The national award is given to schools that show a significant commitment to the safety and health of their pupils, workforce and community.

St Egwin’s community education co-ordinator Amanda Capewell said the school was delighted to receive the schools mark award.

She said: "At St Egwin’s we believe first aid is an important life skill which teaches young people what they need to know in a medical emergency as well as team work and communication.

"We know from our work with St John Ambulance about what a difference it can make – two students have had to use their first aid skills at home and in the community in medical emergencies.

"They knew what to do and dealt with serious incidents with a maturity beyond their years because of the training they had received."

This year, the school has trained all 120 of its year 8 students through St John Ambulance's young first aider programme.

For more information about the work of St John Ambulance in schools, call 0121 237 3873, email west-mids-training@sja.org.uk or visit teachthedifference.org.uk