A FIVE-year-old girl was taken to hospital after 'getting into difficulty' during a swimming lesson.

Yesterday, paramedics were called at around 5pm while the girl was in the learner pool at Hyndburn Leisure Centre.

A leisure centre spokesman said staff attended to the girl and paramedics were called.

She was treated at the scene and take to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Her condition is not believed to be serious.

Lyndsey Sims, chief executive of Hyndburn Leisure said: “The team on site are carrying out a full and thorough investigation into the incident and we have reported it to the Health and Safety Executive.

"We have also made a statement to the police.

"Our thoughts are with the young girl and her family and we wish her a speedy recovery.

"We will do everything we can to support all those affected and we would like to reassure our customers that we are investigating the incident fully.”

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A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We received a call from the ambulance service at 19:56 hours last night following an earlier incident at a public swimming pool on Henry Street, Church, Accrington.

"It was reported to us that a five-year-old girl had got into difficulty in the swimming pool.

"Leisure centre staff attended to the girl and Paramedics were called. They treated her at the scene, before taking her to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

"Her physical condition is not believed to be serious.

"The Council has been informed and police are conducting enquiries.”