A COMPANY in Bolton is starting an initiative to train as many young children as they can in CPR and need sponsors to do so.

Pheniks Division has so far trained more than 150 young people and adults in CPR but they would like to reach more children in primary schools.

The owner of the training firm, Hughie Benson, said local businesses and parents can help.

He said: “Over the course of the last year, we have trained 186 young children and adults basic life support, how to use a phone to call for an ambulance and how to help someone in cardiac arrest.

“We are asking local businesses and parents who want their children to be trained in CPR to sponsor schools, so I can go in and teach the primary school children essential skills.”

Hughie currently trains people for free and his only source of income from the training is selling his merchandise, which then goes back into more training.

Therefore he wants people to sponsor schools so children can register for training, use the vital resources and gain a qualification that could save a life.

Pheniks Division trains students from reception to year six and Hughie is looking for sponsors in primary schools in particular.

He said: “Children pick up the training quickly, then they go home and show their parents what they have learnt which then makes them think I need to know how to do that too.

“The training raises awareness and it is something children will remember for the rest of their life.

“The more people that know how to do CPR, the more people who can help those in need and not freeze in panic.”

If you would like to know more, you can contact Pheniks Division at Hughie@pheniks.co.uk