A YOUNG member of a community swimming club was recognised for her life-saving skills.

Tilly Attrill from Bishop's Waltham Community Swimming received the highest award offered by The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) from the organisation's president, Ian Hutchings.

The Distinction is awarded to candidates successfully holding three Gold awards within a two year period – and only a handful are presented across the country.

In the UK, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death of children, with around 400 people dying from drowning every year.

Bishop’s Waltham Community Swimming (BWCS) trains around 50 young people aged 12 each week to equip them with water safety knowledge and the skills to provide assistance safely should an emergency occur.

Mr Hutchings also met with the club’s other young lifesavers, eager to witness their enthusiasm and discover the secrets to the club’s success.

Hannah, lifesaving coordinator for BWCS, said: “It’s fantastic that Tilly’s success has been recognised by the President of the RLSS and we are so proud to host Ian at the club. We work hard to create a team ethos at Bishop’s Waltham and would like to say a huge well done to Tilly, to all of our lifesavers, and thank you to everyone for making the difference. Together we achieve.”