CLEVELAND police swimmers were a splash hit with fellow competitors at the national police life-saving championships.

The squad were runners up in the competition for the third year running, but they returned home with more than a medallion.

The team was presented with the Graham Cutting Trophy, in memory of a former Chief Superintendent from Avon and Somerset, who was involved in life-saving for 35 years. The trophy was presented because the squad showed the most commitment, enthusiasm and sportsman-like behaviour throughout the competition.

The squad was made up of police constables Mick Watson, Stuart Wilmott, Mark Adams, Mark Pitt and Phil Taylor.

Three of the team are known internationally for their swimming prowess and have picked up numerous gold, silver and bronze medals for the British team in the World Police and Fire Games.

Together, the team beat off competition from police forces throughout the northern region to be one of 12 teams to make it to the national finals in Warwickshire. PC Taylor said: "We won the trophy thanks to the votes of our fellow competitors. We had been disappointed in coming second, but this was a real surprise. It's nice to be appreciated."