100 people are being urged to come forward to be trained in life-saving CPR and defibrillation training on Restart a Heart Day.

Malvern Town Council and Heartstart Malvern are teaming up to encourage people to come forward to be trained in life-saving skills.

Restart a Heart Day is slated for Wednesday, October 16, and aims to raise awareness of cardiac arrests and the need for people to learn CPR.

More than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen every year in the UK, and less than one in 10 people survive.

Early CPR and defibrillation can significantly improve the chances of survival.

Linda Blake from Malvern Town Council said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Heartstart Malvern on this year’s Restart a Heart Day and are looking forward to holding several training sessions throughout the day at our new Community Hub in Victoria Park Road, Malvern Link.

"We hope to be able to train at least 100 people in vital life-saving skills over the course of the day."

Richard Vakis-Lowe, chairman of Heartstart Malvern, said: "A cardiac arrest is the most time-critical of all medical emergencies.

"With 80 per cent of cardiac arrests happening at home, it is essential that everyone is confident about how to do CPR and use a defibrillator."

He added: "We are encouraging as many people as possible to come forward for training on Restart a Heart Day and would encourage local employers to think about allowing some of their staff to attend one of the training sessions.

"Malvern Town Council have set an excellent example by encouraging all of their employees and councillors to be trained on the day."

Training sessions will be held throughout the day, with the first one starting at 8am.

Each session is practical and lasts for 90 minutes.

Although the training is free of charge, those who want to take part must book in.

To book a place on a course, visit heartstartmalvern.org.uk or call 07926 615812.