Large crowds have hit the beach for the first sessions launching Colwyn ay's first ever Surf Lifesaving Club.

Participants gathered at Colwyn Bay Watersports last Thursday, for the first session to learn about volunteering opportunities the club would offer and how to get involved.

This was coupled with a special training exercise held with RNLI’s Rhyl Lifeboat, RNLI Lifeguards North Wales and the Surf Lifesaving Association of Wales.

Crowds also lined the waterfront at Porth Eirias to see the mock lifesaving demonstrations and a surprise visit from the Rescue 936 Coastguard helicopter.

The demonstration was the first of many events held over the weekend. Other surf lifesaving events included a timed pool swim at Colwyn Leisure Centre on Saturday and the first of two courses in Surf rescue and First Aid.

Mark Treleaven-Jones, who helped organised the events in conjunction with Conwy council and the Outdoor Partnership, said he was quite overwhelmed by the response.

He said: “We knew that there was a lot of interest in people looking to help run the club or train as surf lifesavers but we didn’t think so many local residents would turn out for the evening.”

“We’re now in a fantastic position where we have many people taking part in the swim and the courses.

"However if you missed seeing the demonstration you can still get involved as there’ll be many more courses and opportunities to participate in over the forthcoming weeks and months.”

If you’d like to be involved in the running of the club, helping volunteer or train as a surf lifeguard please contact Roger Pierce at Conwy County Borough Council roger.pierce@conwy.gov.uk.