Gyllyngvase Surf life Saving Club had its most successful result since establishing eight years ago, after two days of fantastic performances at Exmouth Beach in South Devon.

The nipper team has been crowned the British Surf Life Saving Champions, which is one of the biggest achievements in the sport.

Out of the 30 clubs competing, Gyllyngvase SLSC finished over 300 points ahead of the second placed Woolacoombe SLSC, with fellow Cornish club St Ives SLSC in a close 3rd.

The team was led by Gylly’s nipper coach, Matthew Trebilcock,who said: "Well done to all club members, I’m extremely proud of you all. There were so many excellent performances.’

"Thank you to everyone who has helped so much towards this result, all the coaches, the committee and helpers, without you none of this would have been possible."

The events are all based around the skills that lifeguards use to carry out rescues in the sea. They include swim plus board races, sprints, endurance running, relay events and flags, a discipline that tests the reactions of competitors.

Over 40 children aged between 7-13 attended the event to represent the club, with a record of over 600 competitors taking part in total. Clubs were represented from all four corners of the country.

Club captain, Georgia Christophers, says ‘It was a fantastic result! I’m so proud of all our nippers who showed amazing skills, teamwork and competitiveness.’ For a club that’s only eight years old this October, it’s an unbelievable achievement.’ Georgia was one of 20 youth (13-19) Gylly members taking part in the British Championships. Their completion took place on Thursday and Friday of last week. The youth members placed an incredible third in the country, with some more amazing performances by all of the athletes. A top four finish in both the ski and sprint races was the notable highlight.

The masters team (30+) competed on the Wednesday and Thursday at Exmouth. They finished sixth with only five members taking part. The club is aiming to build on this section in future years.

Gyllyngvase SLSC has over 150 active members from nippers all the way up to masters. There are a number of sessions throughout the week for all ages and the club regularly trains in surf on North Coast beaches to test the lifeguarding skills of its members.

For more information visit gyllysurf.org.uk.