Twelve new members of staff at Erewash Borough Council have completed the RLSS National Poll Lifeguard qualification following the setting up of a training partnership between the council and Burton College.

The course, run by Burton College lecturer Julian Bennett and Erewash council training and development office for culture and leisure services Julian Sutton the course focused on life saving techniques, first aid and accident prevention.

All 12 qualified lifeguards will now be working a variety of leisure centres throughout the area and several more groups are expected to pass through the scheme in coming weeks.

As part of a new training partnership with the college, the council also intends to train staff members in a variety of disciplines including customer care and business administration.