A leading charity is inviting Cumbrian primary schools to sign up to its latest lifesaving lesson.

St John Ambulance want schools to get involved in its annual Big First Aid Lesson on November 3.

Actor Reece Buttery, who starred in the BAFTA winning Secret Life of Boys, will be hosting the free hour-long programme.

It will be streamed live into classrooms and will cover a range of topics.

The lesson takes place two days before Bonfire Night so there will be a particular emphasis on burns and firework-related injuries.

Now in its fourth year, the lesson will also inform children what to do in the event of an accident.

It will be interactive with live demos, real-life stories and a chance for children to ask questions.

St John Ambulance aims to teach a quarter of a million children vital life-saving skills through the Big First Aid Lesson.

Local schools that have signed up previously include primary schools in Bowness-on-Solway, Burgh-by-Sands, Crosby-on-Eden, Hayton, Longtown, Raughton Head, Thursby and Stanwix and Kingmoor Junior Schools in Carlisle.

As host Reece is following in the footsteps of ITV This Morning’s Dr Ranj who presented the lesson to thousands of students and teachers across the country in 2016.

Dr Ranj, who is familiar to families with young children through his appearances on the BBC's dedicated children's channels, will be a guest this year.

Reece said: "As a St John Ambulance cadet, I’ve seen first-hand how important first aid can be in an emergency.

"Being able to immediately help someone – a family member, school mate, a neighbour, or even a stranger – can be life saving.

"Anyone can learn first aid at any age and that’s why I’m supporting the Big First Aid Lesson 2017."

The only equipment schools need to participate are an internet connection and a screen for their pupils to watch the lesson.

David Nicklen, from St John Ambulance, said: "The Big First Aid Lesson Live is an accessible, easy to learn, and fun resource. Students will finish the lesson feeling confident they could one day be a life saver.

"I encourage all schools to take part so their pupils don’t miss out on this exciting and educational event."

St John Ambulance has training centres in Carlisle, Penrith and Workington.

School leaders can sign up to the Big First Aid Lesson now at www.sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson.