DRAGONS Den star Duncan Bannatyne is backing St John Ambulance's campaign to encourage employers to train more of their staff to save a life, after enduring his own first aid emergency.

The entrepreneur suffered a heart attack scare in October last year when he was rushed to hospital suffering from chest pains.

Tests showed he had not suffered a heart attack but had collapsed due to stress.

As a result of his experiences Mr Bannatyne arranged for St John Ambulance first aid at work training for staff at his head office in Darlington.

Mr Bannatyne said: 'When I experienced chest pains in my office, I thought I was having a heart attack.

"I had collapsed on the floor and was finding it difficult to breathe when luckily my secretary found me.

"I was incredibly thankful that she had the skills to help me when I needed it most.

"I want to make sure that I'm not the only lucky one and that there are more people out there who can be the difference between life and death if needed."

For more information on training courses delivered by St John Ambulance visit the organisation's website or call 0844-770-4800.