KEEN life-savers in Ilminster have been taking up free first aid training after attending a full day session.

The courses, run by the Red Cross, are free to Ilminster residents and organisations.

County councillor Linda Vijeh used her £5,000 Somerset County Council Health and Wellbeing budget to set the sessions up.

Resident Brenda Lake, who attended, said: “'I think that this has been an excellent idea and I certainly learnt a lot.

“I really believe that the knowledge I have now gained will help me to save someone’s life, should the need arise in the future, although, of course, I hope I won’t have to.”

Linda added: “I consulted widely before deciding to spend the money this way but I have to admit that setting up the courses was not quite as easy as I had thought it would be.

“They will continue to run in the New Year, so anyone interested in taking advantage of this should contact Diane Bale on d.bale1965@gmail.com

“What has been especially disappointing is just how many county councillors did not even apply for their money before the deadline, which is a great shame considering how tight funding is for such initiatives.”