Staff at Deal’s popular restaurant 81 Beach Street are now trained in emergency life support.

General manager Charlotte Hogben invited HeartStart south east coast trainer Beverley-Jayne Last to educate her workforce and others at The Granville in Canterbury.

Unconsciousness, choking, heart attacks, bleeding and CPR in the event of cardiac arrest were learned by the 12 staff.

Miss Hogben said: “The team thoroughly enjoyed the HeartStart course; all came away much more confident.

“Beverley is a great asset to the community. She has been to the restaurant to treat people before and I hope we will do her proud, if we ever need to put our skills into action.

“More people definitely need to be aware of the importance of learning the simple skills of how to deal with life threatening emergencies.”

Mrs Last said: “Although some staff were already qualified first aiders, life threatening emergencies can happen any time.

“As a Community First Responder in Deal I have been called to restaurants to treat people who are unwell or in cardiac arrest, so it’s very reassuring to see that the staff of 81 were keen to take on such a proactive role while waiting for an ambulance, should an emergency situation arise.”

Heartstart courses are free and open to anyone. For details call Beverley-Jayne Last 01304 374883 and leave a message.