More schoolchildren are set to gain vital lifesaving skills - thanks to a new £30,000 donation from one of Hampshire's biggest employers.
Money released by ExxonMobil - the company that runs Fawley refinery - will be used to fund first aid sessions for pupils at schools on both sides of Southampton Water.
ExxonMobil is continuing its partnership with New Forest First Aid Training (NFFAT) following the success of similar sessions held last year for 1,500 schoolchildren.
The extra funding will enable NFFAT will deliver its "Mini Medics" courses to a further 2,500 pupils throughout the academic year.
A total of 75 sessions will be staged for children aged 7-12 at 40 schools in Beaulieu, Blackfield, Dibden Purlieu, Hamble-le-Rice, Holbury, Hythe, and Marchwood.
The initiative was launched at Blackfield Primary School, which welcomed first aid-trained ExxonMobil ambassadors to the site to support the provision of essential response techniques.
READ MORE: Fawley refinery funds 'Mini Medics' courses at nine schools
NFFAT director Joe Day said: "Those living in rural areas such as the New Forest are typically further away from hospitals compared to those in larger cities, which makes immediate first aid even more critical.
"Learning these skills at such a young age helps grow confidence and a sense of responsibility.
"Thanks to the support from ExxonMobil Fawley, we will teach thousands of students how to respond in an emergency. Without their funding, we simply would not have been able to provide this additional training."
Pupils on their way to becoming "Mini Medics" will attend practical and theory-based sessions to equip them with vital skills, including lifesaving CPR.
Josh Rigby, assistant principal at Blackfield Primary School Juniors, said: "We are passionate about our pupils learning the life skills they need to help look after themselves, their families, and the wider community.
"This training could one day save lives and our students have shown great enthusiasm, which we are thrilled to see. Thank you to ExxonMobil Fawley for making this possible."
Richard Rastall is Fawley's site safety, health, and environment manager.
He said: "Safety is at the heart of everything we do at the Fawley site, so this is such a meaningful contribution that we are proud to support.
“We are excited for young people to learn these vital skills, which they can use in school, at home, and in the local community, and will be carried with them throughout their life."
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