A first aid charity overwhelmed with the response from Royston youngsters to the launch of a new group is now looking to reopen an adult unit on the back of its success.

St John Ambulance started up a badger sett in the town in January for children aged between five and 10.

After 15 kids signed up to the group, organisers are now in need of a dedicated helper to expand the sett and have also decided to relaunch a unit for adults.

The unit closed in 2012 due to a lack of numbers but is set to restart with an information evening next month so those aged 18 and over can learn life-saving skills which will enable them to volunteer at community events.

The charity is also on the look-out for a new voluntary unit manager to help lead the adult team.

Lee Taylor, St John Ambulance’s area manager with responsibility for the Royston unit, said: “We opened a badger sett in Royston earlier this year and I have to say we have been overwhelmed by the response locally.

“Such was the success here and the obvious interest in learning first aid in the town that we have also taken the decision to reopen the adult unit which unfortunately had to close a few years ago.

“We hope to get the same level of response as we did with the badger sett and to form a new team of adult volunteers who are trained to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

Both groups will meet at the unit in Newmarket Road and weekly sessions for adults will run every Monday from 7.30pm where training will be given on a wide variety of subjects.

To find out more email lee.taylor@sja.org.ukor or come along to the adult open evening at 7.30pm on April 13.

For more information about St John Ambulance or about first aid training, go to www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 104950.