St John Ambulance is putting on free first aid training sessions which 'could mean the difference between a life saved and a life lost within our community'.

Exmouth's St John Ambulance unit was started in 1925 and this year celebrates it's 95th birthday.

To honour almost a century of helping to save lives the unit is putting on a series of free first aid training sessions.

In these sessions people will be taught about the five ways to save a life, including dealing with shock, choking, how to perform CPR and use an AED among other things.

The unit is aiming to train 200 people over 2020 in these key skills.

"With a recent survey showing a third of adults are not confident enough to perform CPR if needed to and fewer still being confident in using an AED, this could mean the difference between a life saved and a life lost within our community," explains local community advocate and trainer Vikki Atkins.

"We are hoping these awareness courses will allow Exmouth to become a first aid community able to step in when and where needed.

"As the Exmouth unit is now in its 95th year in Exmouth and looking towards its 100th year we want to honour our heritage having been formed to train the people of Exmouth in first aid in 1925, by doing the same in 2020."

Courses are available on Monday, January 6, at 7pm, and Saturday, January 11, at 9am, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4pm.

Sessions take place at Bastin Hall, Elm Grove, Exmouth, EX8 1DJ. They are free to attend and anyone over the age of 12 is welcome.

Sessions are limited to 20 spaces so please book your place by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01395 273374 and leaving a voice message.