THERE was plenty to celebrate for Gyllyngvase Surf Life-saving Club over the weekend as their youth side were crowned Cornish champions for the first time.

The squad, known as the nippers, took part in the county championship held in Portreath with more than 60 children representing the club established eight years ago.

In the end, Gylly finished 200 points ahead of Newquay to bag the title with defending champions St Ives coming third.

Club captain Orion Page said winning the prize for the first time was a great achievement.

Page said: "It was a fantastic result and I’m so proud of all our nippers and what a huge stepping stone for our great club of which I am proud to captain."

Events over the weekend were based on the skills which lifeguards have to use when rescuing people from sea.

This includes swimming and board races, sprints, relays and endurance running.

Among a number of stellar performances for Gylly were first places in the Golden Nipper contest, consisting of a swim, board and run, for Sam Norton and Thomas Trebilcock in their respective age groups while Mia Rule claimed silver in the 12-years girls race.

It was a different story for Rule in the surf race though as she topped the podium in this discipline with Trebilcock and Mikey Pond setting up a one-two for Gylly in the boys event.

In total the club won 36 gold medals across the weekend with 19 silvers and 20 bronzes achieved as well.

Nippers coach Matthew Trebilcock said: "I want to say well done to all club members because I’m extremely proud of them all.

"There were so many excellent performances and it was so much fun.

"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."

Anyone interested in giving the sport a go or joining the club should visit www.gyllysurf.org.uk for more information.