A grandad has been recognised for his hard work and dedication to life saving and swimming.

Phil Crowder, of Galway Road, Sheerness, went to the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK’s honours ceremony at The Guildhall in London with his wife Jen on Saturday.

The 53-year-old has been teaching life saving at Sheerness Swimming Club and Lifeguard Corps for more than 20 years and is also the club’s chairman.

His father Ron founded the club.

He was presented with a bar to his 20-year service medal as well as a certificate of recognition for his work as public relations officer with the RLSS Kent branch.

The grandad-of-two was among 250 people from across the country who were presented with their awards by Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who gave a speech and brought along her torch from the 2012 relay and her Gold Commonwealth Games medal.

“It was an honour to stand next to her and shake her hand – the official photo of the occasion will take pride of place on my office desk,” Mr Crowder said.

“No matter what you do in life it is nice to know that it’s appreciated and I would like to thank the RLSS UK for the awards.”

A charity which supports injured servicemen and women has had a boost of more than £400.

Members of Memory Lane performed its variety show Our Little Bit of Everything at Sheppey Little Theatre in Sheerness on Saturday.

It was to support Help for Heroes and Aiden Rayner, a soldier from the Isle of Grain who lost his leg while serving in Afghanistan with 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, went along to receive the cheque.

He is a friend of Islander Matthew Holkham, whose brother Daniel was killed while serving in the country in 2010.

Their parents Rodney and Tracy Holkham were also at the show.

Memory Lane member Joyce Stanton said: “It went very well and was well received.

“It was packed out which was lovely.

“We are really pleased with the amount.”

She thanked everyone who came along and donated and also Sheppy Glass for its help with selling tickets.