A GREENOCK lifeguard who went over and above the call of duty has received a top UK award.

Joanna McMillan, centre, was presented with a ‘WOW’ award for helping a young girl at the Waterfront Leisure Centre who was being bullied.

The prize recognises exceptionally good customer service throughout the country.

The modest 22-year-old says she was surprised to receive the award as she didn’t think anything of helping the youngster.

She said: “At first I was a bit taken aback, as I didn’t know anything about it.

“It felt really good to be recognised.

“I was just a listening ear and gave the girl as much support as I could.”

Joanna, from Mallard Crescent, received her ‘You’ve Made a Difference’ award at a glitzy bash in London.

She has worked as a lifeguard for over five years and says she loves her job.

Joanna said: “People just think you walk round the pool all day.

“Okay, something doesn’t happen every day but now and again you need to go that extra mile to help customers in need.”

Jim Lyon, who is an operations manager with Inverclyde Leisure, said: “I think Joanne should be very proud of herself.

“She’s a credit to herself and to the staff.

“Joanna is a really good example of the great team that we have working within Inverclyde Leisure in general.”