IT'S more than 30 miles from the coast, but that hasn't stopped Blackburn from becoming one of the top destinations for would-be lifeguards.

The skills learnt by young lifesavers who complete a gruelling training course in Shadsworth will soon be put to good use at beaches in South Africa and Australia.

In recent months, budding lifeguards from Australia, South Africa, Italy, Iran and Estonia have all been taught vital skills by Marion Penman, a trainer qualified by Lifesavers, which used to be called the Royal Lifesaving Society.

While there are hundreds of trainers across the country, few are qualified to teach a variety of different courses -- but Marion, who has seen more than 2,000 students through courses, is.

That means she is often recommended by Lifesavers. Their courses are world-renowned for the skills they equip people with, and Blackburn's Shadsworth site is a centre of excellence for the courses.

Among those Marion has taught is Australian Elly Renolds, 17, who first came to Blackburn in 2002 from Sydney - home of the famous Bondi Beach - when her father took a job at Orrell Rugby Club.

Currently studying for her A-levels at Westholme School, she said she hoped to use her skills when she returned to Australia to study sports science.

She said: "I have learned skills that I will have for the rest of my life. I can use these skills in employment but I can also use them, if required, in any emergency situation."

South African Carmen Langford, 19, is on a gap year from her studies and is working as a leisure assistant at a private fitness club.

She said: "Being in the pool was the most fun and now I can be a lifeguard on the beach when I go back home".

Juri Kolossov, 35, moved from Estonia to Blackburn in 1999, and has also taken the course.

He said: "I now teach swimming classes so what I have learnt has been very important."

Marion, who has been working for the council since 1979, said: "It's an intensive six-day course in which students are taught all aspects of pool safety, first aid and rescue skills."

Coun Dave Smith, executive member for culture, leisure and sport at the council, said: "Marion has contributed to Shadsworth becoming a centre of excellence."