PORT pupils got a lesson in lifesaving from Heart Start experts.

Around 60 youngsters at Newark Primary underwent training in CPR, defibrillator use and the recovery position.

Glen Miller, Heart Start Inverclyde co-ordinator with the British Heart Foundation training programme, ran the sessions alongside Linda McDowell and fellow instructors.

Mr Miller said: "It's very important because it could help save a life.

"You never know what can happen. This helps to raise young people's awareness and gives them the skills they need."

Both instructors have been teaching the emergency first aid programme for more than 20 years and have run courses in primary and secondary schools throughout Inverclyde.

Ms McDowell said: "The pupils have been really good. It is something that interests them and makes them work really hard."

Mr Miller said: "We provide full heart training, heart recovery, CPR and defibrillator use, skills to deal with choking and bleeding and signs and symptoms of heart disease."

Pupils at Newark enjoyed the session and say they learned a lot.

David Lindsay, 10, said: "It's important to learn these skills, if you don't understand how to use them and the equipment you can't save someone's life."

Aimee Henderson, 11, added: "I liked the course because it was really interesting and fun and you could learn a lot of things from it.

"The instructors were really kind."

Primary six teacher Laura Jackson said: "It's instilled confidence in pupils that they know what to do if they're in a situation and need to use Heart Start training or emergency first aid they would have the confidence to do it.

"The instructors were so patient and every child had a hands-on experience."

Instructors hope to roll out training sessions to include adults in the autumn.

They recently made an appeal in the Telegraph looking for premises to use and Inverclyde Leisure and Belville Community Gardens have kindly come forward.

If anyone else can help they should contact Glen on 07932 477520.