A GROUP of six RAF personnel who recently returned from the Gulf are reviving their free first aid training service.

The Heartstart service has been going for a number of years, but while Flight Sgt Vic Rose, based at RAF Leeming, and and his five colleagues in 609 (WR) Squadron, were away for six months in the Gulf, it was suspended.

Now they have returned they have restarted the courses in basic first aid, teaching companies, community groups and schools about cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, how to deal with broken bones and how to stem bleeding.

They were in Darlington at Eastbourne School yesterday teaching staff and students.

Flt Sgt Rose, said: "This kind of training really does pay off. People do end up saving lives."

The courses are free, but groups can make a donation which is given to charity.

Anyone interested in organising first aid training for their company or group can contact (01677) 457133. The instructors will travel anywhere within a 20-mile radius of RAF Leeming.