SPORTS stars and newsreaders joined forces to learn vital life saving skills.

North West Tonight presenters Roger Johnson and Graham Liver, who also fronts Radio Lancashire's breakfast show, were two of the first people to sign up to the new training sessions.

They were joined yesterday at the BBC Radio Lancashire studios by Telegraph editor Steve Thompson.

Former Rovers and Clarets stars Kevin Gallagher and Jamie Hoyland also took part in one of the classes, alongside Superbike legend Carl Fogarty.

Graham said: "If I had seen someone who needed help I wouldn't have known what to do but now I do and I would give it a go.

"The reaction to the campaign has been fantastic and it's really important that people come along to one of the sessions and learn the basics, because, as we've seen, it really can help and make a difference."

Kevin said: "It's very important because this can save someone's life. As sports coaches we have done this sort of training before but it's good to get a reminder of the skills needed because you can really help the paramedics."

Lancashire Lifesavers is a joint campaign with BBC Radio Lancashire, the North West Ambulance Service and Lancashire County Council and aims to train 2,500 people across the county what to do if someone suffers a cardiac arrest..

The idea for the Lancashire Lifesavers campaign came about when the radio station’s political reporter Mike Stevens helped save the life of local councillor, Tony Jones, when he collapsed at a County Council meeting last year.

Mike was able to put his first aid skills into practice having completed a first aid course the week prior.

The free 45-minute sessions teach people the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Paramedics leading the classes also demonstrate how to use a lifesaving defibrillator.

The county council is investing £30,000 in lifesaving equipment, which will be installed across the region. The funding is being given to the North West Ambulance Service to buy 40 defibrillators and install them at a range of community venues over the next six months.

Sessions are set to be held in Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool, Lancaster, Chorley, Morecambe and Burnley over the next month.

People can sign up for one of the sessions at northwestambulance.eventbrite.co.uk