A 78-year-old from Leicester has been named the UK's oldest lifeguard after decades of rescuing swimmers from pools, lakes, rivers and oceans.

Former Royal Marine Harry Williams said he had lost count of the number of times he has saved people's lives over a career spanning more than 50 years.

Though Harry is officially retired, he is still training young life guards and IQL UK Ltd, which runs the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, says Harry is the oldest life-saver in the country.

Harry, of Garland Crescent, Leicester, said: "It is something of on honour to find out I'm the oldest lifeguard. I was amazed and although I don't actually think of myself as being old, it's still nice.

"When it comes to rescuing, people have often seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

"I've rescued two people in America, three from under Bournemouth Pier, one at Mablethorpe and one from the River Soar.

"When I left the Royal Marines, I got a job as a lifeguard for Leicester City Council and I worked at every pool in the city rescuing quite a few people.

"It's a minimum of a dozen but I honestly can't remember.

"I've been in some difficult situations but I've never been scared for myself.

"The Royal Marines teaches you to be careful and I've always been a strong swimmer."

As well as his water rescues, five years ago Harry was called on to safe the life of his wife Audrey, 82, when she fell down the stairs of their home and fractured her skull and suffered spinal damage.

He said: "That was the most important rescue I ever did and ironically it was away from the water.

"I'm glad I had learned the skills I have because they helped me save the person who is most dear to me."

Harry now teaches classes of 22 young lifeguards at the New Parks Leisure Centre, in St Oswald's Road, and plans to continue doing so for as long as he can.

He said: "I can't imagine a time when I'll ever want to give it up.

"It's a bit of a hobby but I love it. I've suffered two strokes and it keeps me fit and healthy. I love passing on what I know."

The leisure centre's duty manager Tom Lacey said: "Harry is a bit of a legend and a character.

"All the young lifeguards look up to him and there is a waiting list of people who want to learn from him."

Tara Dillon, executive director of IQL UK, the creators of the lifeguarding qualifications Harry teaches, said: "Harry's life-long commitment to lifesaving is truly commendable.

"We are so pleased he continues to provide young lifeguards, as well as the local community, with essential lifesaving skills. Long may he continue his work."