FOUR police officers in trunks have made quite a splash - for a second time.

Middle-aged life-savers PCs Mick Watson, Stu Wilmott, Julian Harforth and Phil Taylor were the oldest competitors in this year's national life-saving championships, but also the best for the second year in succession.

The quartet, from Cleveland Police, won every section of the competitions held at Nottingham. Competing with nine other teams entered from around the UK, they were set a number of staged tasks, such as rescuing eight people in trouble in the water at the same time, as well as dealing with someone who was unconscious at the pool side.

The team has been together for 20 years and PC Wilmott was a member of the British swimming squad at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Colleague Phil Taylor said: "I'm 47 and we are all mature but we have a certain reputation.

"When we walk through the door other teams say, 'It's Cleveland,' and that gives us a psychological advantage.