MANAGERS at a Suffolk swimming pool have been hailed as heroes after rescuing a drowning pensioner and then reviving the lifeless pensioner.

MANAGERS at a Suffolk swimming pool have been hailed as heroes after rescuing a drowning pensioner and then reviving the lifeless pensioner.

Alfie Westwood was swimming with his twin brother John when he got into difficulties and suddenly plunged to the bottom of Newmarket's swimming pool.

But quick-thinking pool managers, David Prime and Nathan Burgess, dived in to save the 72-year-old before desperately trying to revive him.

Paramedics then spent 20 minutes treating Mr Westwood, who had regained consciousness, at the poolside before he was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

Playing down their heroic act, Mr Prime and Mr Burgess simply said they were “just doing their job” following the dramatic incident on Tuesday afternoon.

But Tony Bass, chief executive of Anglia Community Leisure, which manages the pool with Forest Heath District Council, praised the pair for their calm and prompt reaction.

He said: “Our staff are highly qualified and trained to deal with such incidents which, thank goodness, are very rare. We are immensely proud of the staff concerned, who are reluctant heroes.”

On seeing Mr Westwood in difficulty, Mr Prime dived in, grabbed hold of the pensioner and dragged him to the side of the pool before he and his colleague hauled him out.

Realising the swimmer was not breathing, the pair then started resuscitation and gave him three breaths before he came round.

It is not clear why Mr Westwood, who lives in the town, got into difficulties but he is said to be making a good recovery in hospital.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said Mr Westwood was conscious and breathing when he arrived at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, in a land ambulance.

The pool was closed for several hours following the incident and the matter will be investigated.