MORE than 100 staff at the North-East's biggest shopping centre have been trained to use life-saving equipment.

Gateshead's MetroCentre has been equipped with nine defibrillators, which can be used to resuscitate people who suffer heart attacks.

The centre was the first public place to install the machines in April, during a national Government initiative.

A total of 120 staff have received training from North East Ambulance Service to use the defibrillators, including management, cleaners and security officers.

MetroCentre general manager Ron Woodman said: "Staff trained under this initiative said they feel more confident when faced with a life-threatening situation.

"The training has helped reaffirm this confidence, although it is hoped that we will not need to put these newly-acquired skills to use.