A NEW first aid training centre of excellence has opened its doors and is expected to prove a big hit with community groups and firms throughout North Yorkshire.

The £480,000 St John Ambulance training facility, at Thirsk Industrial Estate, includes three training rooms and will house a small team of support staff.

The first group to benefit from the new centre was the Jarvis International Hotel Group, whose employees attended a four-day First Aid at Work course.

It was the first time St John Ambulance has attracted the hotel firm as a customer and David Burke, county director for training and marketing for the charity, said he was expecting more businesses to sign up for courses.

He said: "We can now offer first aid training in more congenial surroundings, thanks to our investment in a modern facility, easily accessible from the A19 and surrounding areas.

"Being a purpose-built training centre and centrally located, we believe it will draw interest from businesses, community groups and individuals keen to develop their first aid skills and awareness."

The charity previously rented premises in the Thirsk area to deliver many of its first aid courses.

Further information on the first aid training opportunities available through St John Ambulance are available from Karen Bainbridge or Jane Gladders, on (01845) 521910.