MEMBERS of the public were taught crucial lifesaving skills at a free event hosted by Canvey’s community first responders.

The Heart Start event took place at Canvey’s library, in the High Street, on Saturday.

A group of first responders showed library staff, parents and children how to administer CPR and basic first aid skills and how to use a defibrillator in the event of an emergency.

Mick Allwood, co-ordinator for the responders, said: “We wanted to do some training with the staff and any members of the public who wanted to show up and that went really well.

“We were delighted with the response

“Even all the youngsters got involved. It was good to show some awareness and we would like to thank everybody for their support.”