As many as 18 members of Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club have been presented with RLSS Platinum Jubilee Medallions.

The special commemorative medals were created by the Royal Life Saving Society in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign.

To earn the gongs, the candidates had to be assessed on skills such as fitness swims, accompanied rescues, rescue tows, lifesaving swim strokes, CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

The awards were presented at Lady's Mile Holiday Park by Cllrs Linda and John Petherick from Teignbridge District Council, which provides support and funding for charities and community groups such as DWLSC.

Recipients of the award were Ed Thorne (Club Captain), Rob Turner, Dave Lang, Dave Bloor, Matt Wyon-Brown, Joe Turner (12), Charlie Turner (9), Ben Wyon-Brown (12), Tom Wyon Brown (10), Larissa Bloor (9), James Bloor (12), Oli Herdman (15), Jess Herdman (12), Kesia Buckley (13), Esme Bowers (14), Amy Everett (13), Rose Byrne (12) and Jayden Lang (12).

Junior member Charlie Turner, 9, said: "I feel happy and proud getting this award. It was challenging at times, but also lots of fun.

"I love being part of DWLSC. I have made great friends and now feel really confident in the sea, learning new skills all the time."

Dawlish Warren Life Saving Club hold sessions all year round and its members range from age 8 upwards.

As a charity affiliated to the RLSS, it provides free training to all members in all areas of lifesaving, and is proud to support the RNLI by providing voluntary patrols on the busy beach in the summer months.

The club is sponsored by Lady's Mile and Oakcliff, local businesses ropelocker and Kennbury Carpentry, and is also funded by the local community and council.

Local residents and holidaymakers are invited to see the club in action on Wednesday evenings during the summer at demo night events. You can get in touch with questions or to give support at [email protected].