A CHARITY has launched a campaign to teach parents what to do if their baby starts to choke, after a survey revealed that two-thirds of North-East parents would not know what to do.

The animated cartoon, featuring characters voiced by celebrities David Walliams, David Mitchell, Johnny Vegas and John Hurt, will be shown on TV.

St John Ambulance found that two-thirds of parents in the North East (69 per cent) do not know the correct technique for saving their baby from choking, despite it being a major fear (61 per cent) and 41 per cent having witnessed it.

St John Ambulance is asking people to share the film with their friends and family, online, so that as many people as possible can learn to save a life.

David Nicklen, community projects manager, said: ‘Knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between life and death, especially with something like choking.

‘We all know how time-pressed parents are, so this film makes it as easy as possible to learn first aid – in less than 40 seconds we can all know a skill that could save a life.

‘Our hope is that people watch, enjoy and share the video with their friends and family, so more of us have the confidence to act in an emergency.’

Walliams’ Princess character demonstrates the correct technique – up to five back blows, followed by up to five chest thrusts – on a jelly baby, now turning blue, who quickly coughs out a peanut before returning to his normal shade.

To watch the film and first aid advice, visit sja.org.uk/TheChokeables