A FIRST aider who spearheaded a mass resignation from the St John's Ambulance Brigade, is to set up a rival group.

Russ Watson and his wife, Becky, walked out on county chiefs during an awards ceremony last week, followed by the entire 50-strong East Cleveland division, including youth leaders and cadets.

Hailed a hero by residents of the flood-devastated village of Skinningrove, the St John's sergeant-officer-in-charge was reprimanded by a superior for being an insurance risk after lifting and carrying sand bags. The reprimand led to Mr Watson's resignation.

This week he revealed plans to carry on with the disbanded group, offering first aid cover at local events and teaching life-saving skills.

The 34-year-old is calling together a meeting of former cadets, youth leaders, parents and councillors to discuss the launch of a new group.

Taking the title Cattersty Club from the name of the sands below Skinningrove and Carlin How, the group could have their own uniform sweatshirt and meet in a disused local school building.

Mr Watson said: "The work will go on; we will still teach youngsters life-saving skills and first aid and being first aiders, still provide cover at public events. We would not charge a fixed fee, only donations which would be ploughed straight into the club.

"All I am interested in is keeping the kids off the streets."

A spokesman for the St John's Ambulance Brigade declined to be drawn on the prospect of a breakaway first aiders' group being formed in East Cleveland.

Of the resignation row, he said: "We can confirm this situation will be the subject of an independent inquiry.