A LIFESAVING group has made it thought the finals of a national safety competition.

Meon Valley Heartstart, which is run by volunteers and relies solely on donations, has been hand-picked by judges of the UK Heart Safe Awards.

Started in 2012, the awards celebrate organisations and employers which invest in creating 'heart-safe' environments, as well as those who have saved other people's lives.

David Williamson, the Meon Valley Heartstart co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to have our work recognized in this way.

“It is a real testimony to the hard work and commitment of our volunteers and the appreciation we receive from the individuals who have benefited from the training.”

Meon Valley Heartstart, which was set up in 2001, offers free training for businesses, organisations, schools and members of the public.

Fully-qualified volunteers teach emergency life-saving skills, including giving CPR and how to use a defibrillator, which could help keep someone alive until medics arrive.

Each year, the group trains more than 1,000 people of all ages, including children as young as four, across the county.

Anyone looking to get trained by the group should email wiliamson.rtd@gmail.com or call 07730 148920. The winners of the national awards will be announced in November.