A BOY of nine was saved from drowning after he got into difficulties during a school swimming session.

Members of Kent Air Ambulance were called to the Carroty Wood Residential Activity Centre at Tonbridge, shortly before 3.40pm on Monday after the boy, at that stage unconscious, had been rescued by a lifeguard.

The youngster boy was attended by first-aiders at the poolside before being flown by the air ambulance to Maidstone Hospital where he has since recovered consciousness. He was with doctors within four minutes.

A statement from the Barnabus Trust, a Christian organisation who run the centre, said: "The boy did not need resuscitation. He was breathing but was unconscious on the poolside."

An investigation into the accident is due to be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive. The boy was one of 13 children in the pool at the time of the incident.

Carroty Wood is open all year round, and offers residential and day visits to schools, church and youth groups.