TWO police officers from North Devon have made waves with their lifesaving skills this week.

PC Tony Ellis from Bideford and DC Alison Mead from Barnstaple competed in the National Police Lifesaving Championships in Dundee earlier this month.

Tony, a member of the men's Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's life saving team, scooped a gold medal at the competition while Alison won a silver medal with the force's women's team.

Tony, who has won seven individual men's crowns in his 29 years with the team, was also given a special recognition award. He is now retiring from the team in order to make time for his love of surfing.

Chris Haseldon, Force lead for Lifesaving, said: "Our officers are fully trained in life saving before they go on solo patrol and we are proud of the contribution our team has made towards lifesaving in the south west.

"These awards also show the force has a great team of committed competitors with great drive and determination. Our team is clearly on a well deserved winning streak."