SWIMMING: Ipswich lifesavers are deservedly celebrating this week, having picked up the most spectacular honour at a glittering London ceremony.In all, 13 awards were given to members of the Ipswich Lifesaving Club in a presentation to mark the Queen's golden jubilee.

SWIMMING

IPSWICH lifesavers are deservedly celebrating this week, having picked up the most spectacular honour at a glittering London ceremony.

In all, 13 awards were given to members of the Ipswich Lifesaving Club in a presentation to mark the Queen's golden jubilee.

The certificates and medals paid tribute to those who have served their community as lifesavers throughout some of the years of the Queen's reign.

Terry Cloud, chair of Ipswich Lifesaving Club, was among those who attended the annual ceremony and who received his own honour.

He is particularly proud of the number of recognitions granted to Ipswich club members.

"The Lifesavers awards are held every year, and we always look forward to finding out who will be given recognition for their commitment," he said.

"This year was particularly special, however. We had a strong contingent from our club and we were able to watch some of the younger members get the honour they really deserve."

The awards, presented this year by Michael Hooper, the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, come in varying stages to award individual lengths of service.

"It's a wonderful way to reward people for their lifesaving commitment – and to keep on doing so over the years," said Terry.

"I'm really pleased for our younger members Judith and Stuart because they were recognised for the first time."

Terry is himself something of an 'old-timer' on the lifesaving scene in this region.

He has been actively helping to run the club for decades and this year he picked up a new award in honour of that commitment.

"They brought a special award for the Jubilee year and I picked that one up," he said. "It's called the Certificate of Recognition and it acknowledges continuing contribution at a club or branch level.

"I feel really proud to have received it on its introductory year."

Also at the ceremony, Sheila Norman MBE, the chairman of the Suffolk branch of the Royal Life Saving Society, picked up a Queen's Jubilee Honour by way of reward for many years at the heart of Suffolk's lifesaving community.

Awards gained by members of the Ipswich Lifesaving Club were:

Certificate of Thanks – Jacqui Howes, Robin Johnson, Stuart Leader and Judith White.

Service Medal (12 years) – Simon Pryke.

Service Cross – Carol Lukins.

Certificate of Merit – Dave Ebbs and Dave Pearsons.

Certificate of Recognition – Terry Cloud, Marc Howes, Jill James and Sarah Sheridan.

Medal of Distinction – Bob Myles.