A DRIVE to boost resuscitation training and equipment has signed up more than 2,500 people in six weeks.

The Lancashire Lifesavers campaign is now asking the public to nominate the best places to instal defibrillators using £30,000 of county council cash.

The initiative was launched April 4 backed by Ribble Valley golfer Chris Ennis and Rossendale comedian Ted Robbins whose lives were saved by first aiders after heart attacks.

Since then hundreds of people have volunteered for training in CPR and using a defibrillator by the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).

The campaign was inspired by former Lancashire County Councillor Tony Jones whose life was saved when he collapsed during a debate at County Hall in Preston last September.

Already it has seen a woman customer of The Vic on Darwen Street saved by a teenage barman who used one of the new defibrillators installed outside BBC Radio Lancashire’s nearby headquarters as part of the campaign.

Christopher Hyde from NWAS said: "We are really pleased so many people signed up to the sessions.

"Hopefully everyone who has taken part will have the confidence to act should someone suffer from a cardiac arrest near them."

Cllr Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "Training more than 2,500 over the past month is a real achievement.

"I'd encourage everyone to send in their suggestions for suitable locations in the county for these devices."

Cllr Driver undertook one of the training sessions at County Hall with Labour group leader Nelson East's Cllr Azhar Ali.