A BUDDING coach who teaches disabled children how to swim at a St Albans based club has been crowned the best young lifesaver in Hertfordshire.

Sixteen-year-old Vishal Chohan received the Doreen Hedges Trophy during a special ceremony in St Albans last week.

The award, presented for an individual’s role or involvement within a swimming club and their overall contribution to lifesaving in the county, follows four years of involvement in the Salmon Club swimming school at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in Holywell Hill, and was presented by former Royal Life Saving Society Hertfordshire president Doreen Hedges MBE.

Vishal of Craigweil Avenue, Radlett, was also awarded the Salmon Club silver saver badge for being the best helper at the group for disabled swimmers this year.

Chairman of the swimming school, Chris Bowles, said: “Vishal is very willing to carry out difficult tasks, one of most sociable youngsters and a great favourite with all club members.”

Having completed his bronze medallion, award of merit, bronze and silver cross certificates as well as his life support three award in lifesaving, Vishal now teaches his fellow pupils from Haberdashers' Aske's Boy's School in Elstree at the after-school club.

Rod Reeves, the Hertfordshire branch president of the Royal Life Saving Society added: “I am delighted that Vishal’s commitment, contribution and dedication to lifesaving has been recognised by these awards”

For more information visit www.rlssherts.org.uk