HEART attack survivor Fabrice Muamba has given his support to a huge initiative which could save thousands of lives.

More than 11,800 youngsters at schools across Yorkshire were today, October 16, being trained in life-saving CPR skills in the biggest event of its kind ever staged in the UK.

The former Bolton Wanderers star took part when he visited Fulford School in York to talk to pupils along with the cardiologist who helped save his life, Dr Andrew Deaner.

Muamba collapsed on the pitch during a game against Spurs in 2012, but although his heart stopped for 78 minutes he eventually made a full recovery thanks to the prompt help he was given.

He told students he hadn't played football, apart from in the garden with his children, since his cardiac arrest.

"Andrew and the medical staff advised me not to play – and I'm okay watching from the stands,” he said.

The mass training event, which saw students taught heart compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing on dummies - was organised by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service with the British Heart Foundation and the Resuscitation Council.

Organiser Jason Carlyon of the YAS said: “Over 30,000 people suffer cardiac arrests outside of hospital in the UK every year.

“If this happens in front of a bystander who starts CPR immediately before the arrival of the ambulance, the patient’s chances of survival double.

“I’m delighted with the phenomenal level of interest we have received from Yorkshire’s schools.”