A Watford mum who saved two of her children from choking to death has backed a St John Ambulance campaign to teach parents first aid.

Victoria Riddick, mum of three, said she has had to put her first aid skills to good use in many medical emergencies involving her children.

She said: "My daughter Lucy choked on her first bacon sandwich when she was 18 months.

"It was the scariest moment of my life. Luckily I’ve learned you shouldn’t put your fingers down the throat of someone who’s choking which is a common mistake.

"Every parent should have these skills which are quick and easy to learn but could well save your child’s life."

Victoria also used her first aid knowledge to help her son Henry, aged four, when he started choking on his food.

St John Ambulance has revealed that three-quarters of parents in the East of England (73 per cent) don’t know the correct technique for saving their baby from choking, despite it being a major fear for more than half of them (55 per cent).

Common items babies choke on include food, vomit, and toys. Other causes included coins, mucus/phlegm, marbles, and pen lids.

St John Ambulance has released new resources on its website to teach people life saving first aid skills and has created a new 40-second advert.

Paul Knighton, St John Ambulance's East of England regional training and community projects manager, said: "Knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between life and death, especially with something like choking.

"We all know how time-pressed parents are, so this film makes it as easy as possible to learn first aid - in less than 40 seconds we can all know a skill that could save a life.

"Our hope is that people in Hertfordshire watch, enjoy and share the video with their friends and family, so more of us have the confidence to act in an emergency."

To watch the film and first aid advice, visit www.sja.org.uk/TheChokeables