STAFF at the Kingfisher Centre could prove to be real lifesavers - thanks to a pioneering new training scheme.

Six centre employees recently completed the Community First Responder training initiative, providing them with essential lifesaving skills.

The training, courtesy of Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service, includes use of a portable defibrillator so anyone suffering a heart attack can receive immediate treatment.

The staff were some of the first in the region to complete the scheme.

Centre director Ian McLelland said: "I am really pleased to have been able to work with the ambulance service to introduce this excellent scheme.

"It will ensure our shoppers get the best possible care if anything unfortunate happens when they are in the centre."

He added: "It has also given my staff an opportunity to develop really important life saving skills."

Security manager at the centre, Jeff Sharp, said: "If anyone collapses at the centre, our job will be to provide care in the few minutes before the paramedics and ambulance arrive.

"Shoppers should still call 999 in the normal way, but the ambulance service will be able to send someone within the centre as well as an emergency ambulance."

He added: "These are very important skills, and it is exciting to be able to offer the public extra reassurance in the busy run up to Christmas."