EVERY ten-year-old child in the borough of Bury can learn to be a lifesaver following a major campaign launched by ambulance chiefs.

Handbooks will be distributed to all 967 primary schools in the county in a bid to create a new generation of first-aiders.

Whitefield-based Greater Manchester Ambulance Service is to provide schoolchildren with a "Junior Paramedic and First-Aid" educational handbook containing tips on how to avoid danger and what to do if an accident happens.

More than 700 children die in accidents in the UK each year and it is hoped the easy-to-follow handbook will reduce this figure by informing children on burns, bleeding, broken bones, accident prevention, calling for help, first aid and lifesaving techniques. John Burnside, chief executive of Greater Manchester Ambulance Service, said they were delighted to be involved in the initiative.

"It is vital that children are equipped with accident prevention and first-aid knowledge.

"We receive approximately 800 emergency calls a day and many of these are accidents involving children. We are committed to giving our total support to anything that helps provide young people with the skills to keep themselves safe and maybe save another life."

The scheme has been funded by local businesses and through the emergency services Crucial Crew project, which promotes a healthy and safe environment for youngsters.

For further information on the scheme contact the Access Partnership Limited on 0345 413951.