It doesn't take much effort to potentially save a life. How many of us intend to learn a bit of first aid at some stage but never quite get round to it?

Now people in Burley-in-Wharfedale are being offered the chance to receive full training to enable them to help their friends and neighbours in emergencies.

The ambulance service is appealing to residents to come forward to join its Community First Responder scheme, in which local people would be equipped to provide initial vital support at medical emergencies until the ambulance arrives.

It is an initiative which has been talked of in the village before - but which has never quite got off the ground.

But it's to be hoped that the appeal by the ambulance service will lead to the setting up of a successful scheme this time.

In the hectic world we live in it is never easy to find the time for extra commitments, but this scheme is well worth supporting.

An offer of help today could well mean the difference between life and death for someone in the village tomorrow.

Otley'S Mayor has just returned from the town's twin town in France where she has been trying to encourage more people to cross the Channel and visit Yorkshire.

In Montereau, as part of the town's 25th anniversary celebrations of its association with not only Otley, but towns in Germany, Turkey and Portugal, Councillor Betty Bevan, and other civic leaders, were treated to a weekend of visits to the town's industry and witnessed how it handled tourism.

They also saw an international football match including boys from Otley Town FC.

Coun Bevan is delighted with the way the trip went and hopes her efforts will mean more people will decide to visit Otley in the future.

Maybe now is the time to set up links with other countries and not just France.