New pool lifesaving equipment has been presented to the Thornbury Rookie Lifesavers club by Eirian Vaughan-Lewis (of Magnox).

The Rookie lifesaving club at Thornbury Leisure Centre has been so successful that the age range of the club has been extended to accommodate its teenagers who wish to stay on.

A new challenging syllabus has been developed requiring specialist equipment of a size that is suitable for the teenage Rookies.

Unfortunately due to the economic climate the club were unable to raise the funds required to buy the essential training equipment. However Magnox North, owned by EnergySolutions, were keen to help and purchased two paddle boards and three large body boards to enable the New Rookies group to learn the skills required for open water rescues leading to the Paddle Craft Award.

Rookie Coach, Anne Harrison said: "We owe Magnox a very big thank you for their generosity." In addition to the new equipment from Magnox, the club has also been presented with two waterproof Walkie Talkie Radios by Thornbury Rotarians to enable the Rookies to work towards their Communication Award.

Rookies is a thriving junior lifesaving club for young swimmers aged 8 years + who want to learn lifesaving skills.