A GROUP of junior doctors on maternity leave joined forces earlier today to teach parents vital skills that could save their children's lives.

The basic life support workshop was organised ahead of a national walk by junior doctors.

The industrial action was expected to take place today, Tuesday, over an ongoing dispute surrounding pay and working conditions.

But the strike action was called off on Monday evening after The British Medical Association agreed to suspend the walk-out following a last-minute breakthrough in talks.

Dr Lisa Wee, 34, of Booth's Lane, Lymm, had organised a taster session along with two of her colleagues – Dr Bernadette Lomas and Dr Kirsty Challen – prior to the strike being cancelled.

But the group vowed to go ahead as planned with the event held at Lymm Tennis Club.

The senior anaesthetic trainee said: "We felt we had made a commitment to the community and were happy to stick to that.

“We wanted to introduce people to what we mean by basic life support and what skills they might learn if they attend a course.

"There was demonstrations of practical skills and there were many people available to answer any questions.

"We are very grateful to Heart Start and Lymm Tennis Club for providing resources for this event."

The informal drop-in session was open to all parents and carers.

Dr Wee added: "I felt quite strongly that I wanted to do something for the community.

"I thought it would be a nice idea for people to learn and to try to give them more confidence in a friendly environment.

"It was a huge success and there was a large group of parents there who felt they had learned a great deal from the session and were keen to learn more.

"We were also able to raise awareness of the reasons behind the strike."

For more information e-mail Dr Lisa Wee on lisavwee@googlemail.com or Dr Bernadette Lomas on bmc.lomas@gmail.com.