A WOMAN who did not learn to swim until she was 29 has received a national award for lifesaving.

Jackie Francombe, from Croxley Green, was granted Honorary United Kingdom Life Membership of the Royal Life Saving Society earlier this month.

Jackie, 65, has been a swimming and lifesaving instructor at Watford Central Baths for 35 years, specialising in teaching babies and young children.

Only after this length of service does the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth Committee consider members for this award.

Jackie, who has two sons and four grandchildren, said: "I was a housemum until I was 29 when I went to the pool to learn to swim.

"One thing led to another and I became a fully qualified instructor.

"I intend to keep going for a good while yet."

At the junior life saving awards ceremony, held at the baths, she was congratulated on her achievement by the Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill.

Jackie said: "I was completely overwhelmed. I nearly fell through the floor.

"Speaking to the mayor really made my day."

Jackie helped to form the junior section of the Watford Life Saving Club and is also a Royal Life Saving Society examiner.