Students from Sheldon School in Chippenham triumphed in the final of the national St John Ambulance schools’ first aid competition.

More than 250 teams from across the country battled it out at Drayton Manor theme park in Staffordshire in the competition, which tested 25 key first aid skills as well as team work and communication.

Volunteer casualties acted out dramatic injuries using media make-up, including severe bleeding, chest pains and a thumb needing to be amputated.

Sheldon pupil Tyley Deedigan, 12, said: “It’s really important to learn first aid as, if there is ever an emergency, you are there to help. We learnt to work as a team and are really pleased to win.”

The school’s team of Year 8 pupils claimed a £750 prize to spend on school equipment.

They made it through to the final by competing in the senior local heats at Avon and Somerset Constabulary headquarters in Portishead in May.

The team also won joint senior reserve and joint second place in the senior pairs, while St Joseph’s Catholic School from Malmesbury beat tough competition to clinch third place in the junior final.

Sheldon PSRE teacher Jackie Needham said: “They were challenging scenarios, we’re very proud.

“What’s most important is that all our pupils who’ve taken part are now equipped to maybe save someone’s life.”

There was equal delight at St Joseph’s primary school in Malmesbury.

Headteacher Lizzie Christopher said: “We’re incredibly proud. I’d like to thank St John Ambulance for organising the event and the school’s business manager Elaine Pearce for her first aid training.”

Jo Buchan, education officer at St John Ambulance, said: “The competition goes to show that first aid is easy and engaging for young people to learn.

‘We want more schools and teachers to give their students the opportunity to empower themselves with these essential life skills and our resources are perfect way for them to get started.”