RNLI lifeguards saved three lives and assisted 455 people on Bude's six beaches during 2012.

They attended a total of 359 incidents at Black Rock, Crooklets, Northcott Mouth, Sandymouth, Summerleaze and Wide­mouth Beaches.

This compares with 2011 when they saved three lives and aided 679 people in 539 incidents on the same six beaches.

In the rest of North Corn­wall's nine bea­ches, including Crack­ington haven, Harlyn, Polzeath, and Trebarwith, they dealt with 868 incidents, assisting 972 people and saving three lives. In 2011, the figures show 893 incidents, with 1,057 people helped and seven lives saved.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.