STAFF at Meadowlands Leisure Pool in Tavistock are celebrating, after scoring top marks in a national audit inspection.

The leisure pool recently underwent an external Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL) audit in which they scored 100%. The IQL is the awarding body of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS).

Leisure Connection, which runs Meadowlands, is an approved training centre for IQL to deliver training for the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, which all Leisure Connection lifeguards are required to hold.

A spokesperson for Leisure Connection said: 'Each year, 20% of our sites have to undergo an external verification to ensure that they are running the ATC to the IQL standard and to approve continuation of our status.

'Eight of Leisure Connection's sites were 'verified' this September, one of which was Meadowlands Leisure Pool, receiving 100%. This achievement puts Leisure Connection in the top 5% of ATC's in the country.'

Demand for places on National Pool Lifeguard Qualification courses tend to increase dramatically when 16 year olds have recently left school and are looking to gain a qualification that will enable them to seek employment during holiday periods.

Anyone interested in learning to be a lifeguard should get in touch with Meadowlands Leisure Pool on 01822 617774.