MEADOWLANDS in Tavistock is congratulating three brothers, David, Thomas and Joseph Carver after they received a Bronze Medallion Award for undertaking a series of training classes at the leisure centre.

The leisure centre's swim school co-ordinator, Clare Short, was responsible for teaching the boys the life saving skills required to pass the training programme, which is designed by the Royal Lifesaving Society in the UK.

The training programme is open to individuals aged 14 and over, however Joseph and Thomas were allowed to take part aged 12 as they had completed Level Gold 3 of the Rookie Lifeguard.

The Bronze Medallion Award recognises a swimmer's capability to perform aquatic rescues in a safe and efficient manner.

Having gained this qualification individuals are eligible to complete the Pool Lifeguard Award.

Clare Short said: 'David, Thomas and Joseph have shown real dedication and put in a lot of hard work into achieving this award, and they have had a great deal of fun in the process too.

'We commend their achievement and encourage other members of the local community to follow in their strokes and join the Bronze Medallion Awards training scheme.'

Dave Smith, Business Manager at Meadowlands Leisure Centre, said: 'We're very proud of the boys for achieving the Bronze Medallion Award, they have worked extremely hard and are a credit to the leisure centre.'