POTENTIAL lifesavers of the future got hands-on with first aid at Long Wittenham Church of England Primary School.

Staff from St John Ambulance visited the school, near Didcot, when more than 40 pupils practised their skills on two mannequins and learned techniques which could keep people alive if they suffer an accident or a sudden medical condition.

Nine-year-old Lillie Vass, from Long Wittenham, said: “It was a really fun day. I learned how to do CPR and mouth compressions and the recovery position.

“It is really important to learn.

“Practising on a dummy made it a bit more relaxed. I think I could help someone for real now.”

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Year Three pupil Ben Bowden, seven, also from Long Wittenham, said: “My favourite part of the day was practising on the dummy.

“We learned how to help someone who is dying.”

Headteacher Carol Dunne said of Wednesday’s event: “I think it is really important that we are not just teaching our kids to read and write and do maths.

“We are also teaching them life skills to help other people as well.”

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