INTREPID young lifesavers from Maidensbridge Primary School will be putting their first aid skills to the test in a national competition organised by St John Ambulance next month.

The Kingswinford based youngsters will do battle against a number of other primary schools from throughout the West Midlands in the regional heats.

The event takes place at St John Ambulance regional headquarters in Lionel Street, Birmingham on April 8.

Finalists then progress into the national finals to be held at Drayton Manor Park near Tamworth in June, where the winners will walk away with £1,000 to spend on school equipment.

The youngsters will be required to apply their first aid skills on a number of live casualties and then take part in a 'Mastermind'-type quiz.

The purpose of the competition is to help children administer first aid, develop important life skills and be able to work as a team.

St John spokesman Janet Catto said: "The competition gives youngsters the chance to practise their first aid skill - which one day could prove the difference between a life lost or a life saved."