Children enjoy getting on their kids' swimwear and splashing about in the pool from a young age.

According to Olympic gold medal swimmer Duncan Goodhew, experiencing the sensation of being in water is an important first step on the road to learning strokes and crawls.

Speaking to the Aberdeen Press and Journal, he explained that the way water feels and reflects light really fires tots' imaginations.

"Then, when you put your head under the water, your whole world changes as the feeling goes beyond our normal senses," Goodhew remarked, adding that swimming is a great way of reducing stress levels.

He made the comments while lending his support to a campaign being run by British Gas to encourage little ones to get on their kids' swimwear and enjoy some exercise this summer.

As part of the scheme, the energy firm is running Pools 4 Schools, an initiative geared towards helping pupils access leisure facilities.

The programme is also being supported by British Olympic star Rebecca Adlington.

Posted by Ed SaltersADNFCR-3005-ID-19870850-ADNFCR