Although swimming armbands are an important piece of kit when it comes to learning to swim, it is a great cause for celebration when a child ditches their buoyancy aids for the first time.

For a group of youngsters from Portsmouth, the achievement is even more impressive as they have had to overcome a personal adversity, reports The News.

Hannah Lowe from Cosham has sight problems, while Lillah Butcher, Adam Walters and Benjamin Walters all had a fear of water before taking part in swimming lessons.

They have all been awarded Achiever of the Year accolades at the Southern Water Learn to Swim awards in recognition of their determination, something that has impressed Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew.

"Swimming … is so healthy for bodies and minds. All of the children here today are winners and have succeeded on their first steps to becoming fully-fledged sportsmen and women," he remarked.

Last month, Goodhew told the Aberdeen Press and Journal it is a "disgrace" that many children do not get the chance to swim due to a lack of facilities or opportunities.

Posted by Ed SaltersADNFCR-3005-ID-19812967-ADNFCR