A GROUP of first aiders will be flying the flag for the county in the northern heat of a national competition.

The Spennymoor division of St John Ambulance enjoyed one of its most successful trips to the brigade's annual contest last week and is looking forward to competing in the next round.

Three pairs won the top spot in their categories - Chloe Pearson and Daniel Murdoch won the badger competition, Kaylee Watson and Becky Warren won the cadet caring award, and Paula Titshall and Kirsty Readman won the adult first aid round.

They will now all fight for a place in the national final when they compete in the regional heat at the end of April, against teams from Yorkshire, Humberside and Northumberland.

Four other pairs from the group, which meets in the brigade base, in King Street, Spennymoor, every Monday night, took runners-up places in the contest.

Brigade Superintendent Lynda Aunger said: "This the first time we have the adult first aid section and the first time we've ever competed in the caring class. To have won them all is tremendous for the division. The members have done us and themselves proud."