THE British Red Cross Society in Blackpool was given major first aid this week -- in the shape of a £400,000 lottery grant.

The money, from the Community Fund -- the new name for the National Lotteries Charity Board -- will be used to buy and refurbish premises in Coronation Street for use as a district office and training centre.

It is also expected to provide jobs for a full-time centre co-ordinator and a part-time cleaner.

The centre, planned to open in 2002, will cater for the people of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre areas. Groups likely to benefit will be the elderly, people with disabilities, low income groups, the unemployed and young people.

And over 1,600 people are expected to use the services in the first year, delivered by 50 locally-based volunteers.

The charity's area director John Sutherland said: "We are very pleased to have been awarded this money as it will enable us to undertake much needed work in Blackpool which will provide the whole of the Fylde area with British Red Cross services."

The new centre will provide help with mobility, health, social and care needs -- the main services will include medical equipment loan, first aid at public events, transport and escort, therapeutic care, skin camouflage, emergency respite for carers, message and tracing, and youth services. Trained volunteers will also be available to support the statutory services in the event of a major incident.

The training centre will offer a full range of "first aid at work" and "health and safety"-related courses and will offer first aid training for the public and training in the use of defibrillators. Other community groups and charities will be able to use the facilities by arrangement with local management.

And ex-TV newsreader Angela Rippon is backing the charity by appealing for nominations for the British Red Cross Humanity Awards.

The awards -- for "everyday heroes" -- will go to men, women or children who have shown extraordinary courage and compassion for others.

Angela said: "I am sure you know of someone who deserves to be given a Humanity Award and you have until August 31 to nominate that special person. So go on -- tell us about them. It's a great way to say thankyou."

To nominate someone for an award call free on 0800 169 7173 or write to British Red Cross Humanity Awards, British Red Cross, FREEPOST, LON17431, 9 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7BR. Forms can be picked up from local shops or branches.