A keen swimmer from Penn has become the youngest rescue diver.

Arwen Rich, 12, was certified as the youngest PADI Rescue Diver by the PADI 5 Star and Gold Star Divecrew centre based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.

Completing the course to become a rescue diver is a rigorous process, requiring candidates to read a book, carry out knowledge reviews, watch a DVD, take an exam, complete an Emergency Action Plan as well as learning rescue skills in a pool before a full weekend in open water at inland diving site Cromhall Diving Centre.

Arwen said: "I was so tired at the end of the course but I learned so much."

Martin, PADI Staff Instructor and Divecrew Co-Owner said: "Arwen is an inspiration to other young divers. We gave her no slack at all due to her age, she had to work with adult divers and she did incredibly well. At the end of the course she actually brought out her father from the water on her back!"