A TEAM of heroic lifeguards who saved a man's life when he suffered a suspected heart attack while swimming have been praised by his family.

Andrew Cook, who was diagnosed with dementia last year, was taking his usual dip at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Monday when he became ill.

Lifeguard Dale Tomkinson dived in to rescue the 69-year-old and with the help of staff who came rushing to the scene, managed to recover Mr Cook from the pool.

It was then that Mr Cook took a turn for the worse and the team sprang into action to give the pensioner CPR after he stopped breathing.

Lifeguard and trainer, Aaron Ruddick, said the team immediately put their skills into action and used the poolside defibrillator twice to bring Mr Cook back from the brink of death.

The team, along with paramedics, worked on the father-of-two for more than an hour before he was rushed to the University Hospital of North Durham.

And thanks to the actions of all involved, Mr Cook is now recovering well in hospital.

His wife, Caroline Cook and son Matthew Cook, paid a visit to the team yesterday to say thank you in person.

She personally thanked Mr Tomkinson along with other team members, Mr Ruddick, Max Griffiths, Graham Kennedy, Anna Bulmer, Claire Hardy and Sue Rogerson.

Mrs Cook said: "They saved Andrew's life and I hope Andrew comes back swimming again but I'm overwhelmed with the staff - they are amazing and all heroes."

Mrs Cook said her husband had been using the pool regularly for about three weeks and was always supported by the staff who had got to know him.

The 64-year-old had popped out of the centre to buy the team cream buns when the incident unfolded and said she was shocked to discover her husband had taken ill so quickly.

The couple's son Matthew Cook was also present as he had been using the gym while his father took a swim.

"I want to thank the staff and the paramedics because you could not wish for a better service," Mrs Cook added. "If it was not for them he would not be alive."

Mrs Cook said her husband had already joked about returning to the leisure centre, especially to use the pool slide but hoped to be back swimming again soon.

The team have also been presented with an award for their actions from Durham County Council's strategic manager for culture and sport, Nigel Dodds.

Talking about the team, Mr Ruddick, said: "Everyone remained really calm and just did everything they've been trained to do.

"I could not be more proud of any of them."

He added: "Afterwards it was quite emotional for everybody because Mr Cook has been coming in for a while now and he's a nice man; his wife went and bought cakes. All of our staff are just fantastic with customer care - we go that extra mile and make the effort to get to know the public."