More than 1,200 people learned potentially life-saving skills in 2010 at first aid training courses run by St John Ambulance in Kingston.

The charity’s centre on Athelstan Road has helped residents and businesses learn crucial skills to combat the estimated 150,000 lives lost a year when first aid could have made the difference.

Steve Thorp, Kingston training manager, said: “The Athelstan Road training centre is at the heart of Kingston’s community, and is easily reached by the large range of businesses nearby.

“2010 has been a great year for first aid training and we’re delighted the people of Kingston think it’s an important skill to have.

“We are particularly delighted more and more employers are helping their staff learn the skills that could be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”