First-aid instructor Bryan Slade, of Chippenham, is hoping to raise awareness of health and welfare services for young people with two open days next month.

Mr Slade, of Hardens Mead, is inviting children, parents and carers to hands-on workshops, where he hopes to highlight the need to keep youngsters safe, and the services available to help.

The 40-year-old, who runs My Skills For Life, said: “Unfortunately there are so many bad news stories about young people being involved in accidents and things, that I wanted to do something to help.

“I watched the news a little while ago and there was a piece saying that not enough people are getting involved in first aid, and hopefully I can highlight the importance of basic skills.”

Representatives from the child protection service, Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, police community support officers will all be on hand to answer questions at the workshops, and a professional chef will carry out cooking demonstrations.

“Basically we will be showing parents and carers how to be proactive, right up to what to do if something does go wrong and there is an accident,” Mr Slade said.

Mr Slade put his first aid skills into action last year when he came across a pensioner lying on the floor in Market Place while he was out shopping.

An elderly man had suffered a suspected heart attack, and Mr Slade immediately set to work on resuscitation when he discovered he was not breathing.

Paramedics praised him for acting so swiftly, and for carrying out what they described as “brilliant CPR”, and the pensioner has since thanked Mr Slade for his help.

“I just want people to know that if they find themselves in the same situation they can do something to help,” Mr Slade said.

“They don’t need to feel embarrassed or walk away, they can save someone’s life, and that is why I run these courses.”

The open days will be held at Sutton Benger village hall from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on November 1, and 9.30am to 12.30pm on November 6.