A group of students at a secondary school can now respond to emergency situations after completing first aid training.

Twenty Year 13 pupils from Epping St John’s School, in Epping, got to worked with St John Ambulance after receiving funding from a student’s Jack Petchey prize money.

The youngsters received a certificate after demonstrating lifesaving manoeuvres including how to use CPR, a defibrillator and how to clear an obstruction when someone seen choking.

Cleo Doncaster, year 13 student, said: “I found this a very worthwhile experience. It has made me more confident going into my future career as a nurse and has given me something relevant to talk about at my nursing interviews in the next few weeks.”

Stephen Hehir, executive head, said: “It is so important for students to be able to learn these important life skills of first aid. Achieving highly is important at Epping St John’s, but so is developing well-rounded citizens of the world with life skills such as first aid.

“Well done to all involved.”