AS well as putting on performances for the public, the management of the Ilkley Playhouse have also arranged a limited production run of emergency life-support training sessions for staff and members of the public.

Playhouse director John Halstead said: "As a facility that allows local people to develop their craft in acting or in supporting backstage production work, it is important that we take advantage of local facilities for getting training in emergency life supporting techniques.

"And we owe it to the audiences who enjoy our performances or those who make use of our facilities for private purposes to do what we can to help them if needed.

"I was pleased when the management committee agreed to do this, and even more pleased to receive a positive response from in-house staff and patrons who wanted the training."

Philip Chinque, of Heartstart Wharfedale, said: "We are glad to provide training outside our normal sessions at the Craiglands Hotel for the public when an organisation is able to identify volunteers and to provide accommodation.

"It is commendable when a body that involves the public in its activities also does what it can to offer a measure of protection.

"But the public should not depend on others for their protection. The best protection is when more volunteers are prepared to learn these very basic skills so that they can care directly for their loved ones. Training in Ilkley is free."

Mr Halstead said that 18 volunteers attended the two Heartstart training sessions and others only failed to attend because of the short notice.

He added: "We were very happy with the training and everyone felt that they would be able to apply what we had been taught.

"I hope to arrange further sessions for those who couldn't come and refresher courses for everybody in due course."

l ABOVE: Members of IlkleyPlayers are pictured 'acting out' emergency lifesaving techniques. (S)