AN ELDERLY man has died after being taken ill at North Herts Leisure Centre, in Letchworth GC, earlier today (Thursday).

An air ambulance was called to the leisure centre at approximately 9.30am today and two ambulances also attended the scene.

John Robinson, strategic director of customer services at North Herts District Council said: "We can confirm that an elderly man was taken to Lister Hospital, Stevenage by paramedics at approximately 9.30am this morning after being taken ill at the swimming pool. Pool lifeguards resuscitated the man at the poolside until paramedics arrived and took over.

"The gentleman was transferred by ambulance to Lister hospital in Stevenage, however unfortunately, he was pronounced dead after arrival at the hospital. The gentleman’s next of kin have been informed.

"On behalf of NHDC and Stevenage Leisure Limited who manage the leisure centre, I would like to offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to the gentleman’s family.

"Following an initial investigation by the Council’s Environmental Health Officers, we have now been granted permission to re-open the swimming pool.”

The helicopter landed nearby ,in the grounds of Letchworth Rugby Club, but the man was taken to Lister Hospital, Stevenage, by a regular ambulance.