Children in Wiltshire could be denied the opportunity to gain life-saving skills because St John Ambulance is struggling to find 11 volunteer youth leaders.

Units at Pewsey, Devizes, Corsham, Amesbury, Gorse-hill, Wootton Bassett and Trowbridge need leaders and assistants to run their badger sections for five to 10-year-olds and cadet units for ages 11 to 18.

All units hold weekly meetings where volunteers take part in a variety of activities, focussing on first aid.

Rob Harrison, the youth commissioner for Wiltshire St John Ambulance, said: “First aid is something that every child can take part in and is a very important life skill. Every year, 150,000 people die who might have been saved by first aid.”

St John Ambulance cadets can recount many instances of helping sick or injured relatives and friends.

Among them is George Soars, of Chippenham, who was able to assist to a friend who had a seizure.

Norman Farrow-Butler, of Devizes, stepped in to help his mother, who has asthma attacks.

Both have been presented to the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.

St John Ambulance hopes people will step forward to help give children the skills that could help save a life.

Mr Harrison said: “We need people who are enthusiastic and energetic. They must be good team players, have a good sense of humour and enjoy working with young people.

“We are not asking people to give huge amounts of their time, but just one evening a week can make so much difference.”

No experience of youth work or first aid is needed, as training is given and Level 2 and 3 BTEC awards in youth work are also available.

Call Leanne Lewis on 01380 738916 for details.