Lower Gornal youngsters are now equipped with potentially lifesaving CPR skills.

For the last seven months, firefighters from Dudley Community Fire Station's Blue Watch have visited Lower Gornal Youth Centre to lead team building exercises, provide fire safety advice and offer first aid training. Recently, they organised a two hour Heartstart course, designed by the British Heart Foundation to teach vital CPR skills.

The 18 youngsters that successfully completed the training were presented with certificates by Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for adult social care, at the Temple Street centre on Friday.

Cllr Barlow praised the skill and dedication of the young people and said he was impressed with the fantastic work that the firefighters were doing in the community. Crew Commander, David Owen, said over the last few months, his team had built up a rapport with the youngsters:

"They were a bit dubious when we first showed up but now they know us by our first names, it's brilliant and all part of the fire service's action plan to make cohesive partnerships within the community."

He encouraged any community groups interested in Heartstart training to get in touch with their local fire station, adding: "It could possibly help you save a life one day."