A FIRST AIDER, who spearheaded a mass resignation from the St John Ambulance Brigade, is to set up a rival group.

When Russ Watson and his wife, Becky, walked out on county chiefs during an awards ceremony last week, they were followed by the entire 50-strong East Cleveland division, including youth leaders and cadets, many of whom were in tears.

Hailed a hero by residents of the flood devastated village of Skinningrove, the St John sergeant-officer-in-charge was reprimanded by a superior for lifting and carrying sand bags, so he resigned.

Yesterday, he revealed plans to The Northern Echo to carry on with the disbanded group, offering first aid cover at local events and teaching life-saving skills.

The 34-year-old is calling together a meeting of former cadets, youth leaders, parents and councillors to discuss the launch of a new group.

Taking the title Cattersty Club from the name of the sands below Skinningrove and Carlin How, the group may have a uniform sweatshirt and meet in an old school building.

Mr Watson said: "The work will go on. We will still teach youngsters life-saving skills and first aid and being first aiders, still provide cover at public events. We would not charge a fixed fee, only donations, which would be ploughed straight into the club.

"All I am interested in is keeping the kids off the streets."

A St John spokesman declined to be drawn on the prospect of a breakaway first aiders group in East Cleveland.

Of the resignation, he said: "We can confirm this situation will be the subject of an independent inquiry.''