SHOPPERS will be able to learn some essential life-saving skills when members of the St John Ambulance team come to Darlington.

They will be setting up stall in the Cornmill Shopping Centre next Thursday and Friday to hold the interactive first aid session between 10am and 3pm.

Cornmill Kids Club members will be able to learn the new skills as well people who are in town for some shopping.

The pop-up event will provide information and practical demonstrations of medical care being carried out to help them to respond quickly and efficiently when first aid is needed.

Centre manager Susan Young said: “Building on the success of previous events and the positive feedback we received, we’ve invited St. John Ambulance to return to the centre with the hope of extending to a yearlong programme to raise awareness of first aid.

"We believe that promoting and showcasing lifesaving skills to our shoppers will make a difference to our community’s wellbeing.”

The event will encourage shoppers to become part of the bigger picture to build a nation of lifesavers. The session will focus on assessing a casualty, putting casualties into the recovery position, CPR, dealing with chest pains, major bleeds and chocking.

Alongside the pop-up event, St. John Ambulance will be searching to recruit locals who would like to volunteer and share first aid techniques at future events around the town.

Volunteers will be provided with training and support to inspire other people to learn life-saving skills.