BUSINESSES are being urged to help to kick-start a campaign to recruit an army of junior life-savers.

The Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service (Tenyas) is to issue primary school children with a first aid educational handbook.

And it wants businesses to help by sponsoring the publication so the schools can be given the books free of charge.

The colourful handbook introduces youngsters to a range of topics including burns, bleeding, fractures, accident prevention, calling for help and lifesaving techniques.

Tenyas first aid training manager Bob White said: "We are delighted this project is being repeated this year because the best way to learn accident prevention and first aid is to start early.

"The book is bright, colourful, easy to read and is packed with interesting facts and activity pages to encourage learning."

He added: "Anything that helps youngsters to keep out of danger and maybe save a life can only be a good thing. Hopefully parents will read them too."

The handbook is being produced for Tenyas by the Stockport-based Access Partnership and businesses that want to help should contact 08457 413591.