The ‘Be First Aid Smart’ scheme is being fronted by Councillor David Foster, EDDC’s health and wellbeing champion and former Honiton mayor.

Businesses are being sought to help fund vital first-aid lessons for youngsters in Honiton and its surrounding areas.

The ‘Be First Aid Smart’ scheme is being fronted by Councillor David Foster, EDDC’s health and wellbeing champion and former Honiton mayor.

St John Ambulance will be delivering the first-aid lessons.

Although the scheme is starting in January next year, Cllr Foster wants to get the ball rolling and secure funding from local businesses ahead of its launch.

He said: “For one school, or two year-six classes, it comes to £108, which is an average of 60 pupils in all. This is a very low-cost scheme.

“Any local businesses that help fund this scheme will get a mention in the press and know that they delivered this vital aid. This will be a great example of community cohesion, which sees business supporting their local community in a vital way.

“The community, their customers, will be able to return what they have learnt for the good of everyone.”

Mr Foster has earmarked Littletown Primary Academy as the first school to take part in the scheme, as it is in his ward. The lessons will be sponsored by Honiton Manor Nursing Home.

Funding has also been secured for lessons to be taught to Honiton Primary School pupils, with a couple of village schools expected to sign up soon.

“This scheme is very important,” Mr Foster added.

“I hope that those who learn the skills never have to use them, but you never know.

“Regularly you hear of these youngsters acting well above their age and delivering life-saving skills. This scheme will see a lot of people growing up in Honiton possessing this ability to save a life.”

By the end of next year, Mr Foster hopes that hundreds of year six pupils, from 44 schools around East Devon, would have gained first-aid skills.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a session can email dfoster@eastdevon.gov.uk