A GROUP of young swimmers at Dursley Pool have shown their arty side after taking on a challenge to design the “ideal swimming teacher”.

In a competition with a prize of free family swimming lessons, children on the learn-to-swim programme at Dursley Swimming Pool were set the challenge to create their perfect instructor.

Chair of Stroud District Council's Community Services Committee Cllr Chris Brine said: "We were delighted with the huge number of entries we had and will be putting them on display in the pool area in the New Year, after the Christmas break.

“The results were fantastic with a wide range of entries from age one to 11."

Dursley Pool has 1,300 swimmers signed up to its weekly learn-to-swim programme. All winners will receive a free family swim.

General manager at the pool Angela Gillingham said: "Our swim programme has grown from strength to strength.

“Under the instruction of our fully qualified teachers it's been great to see children make real progress with their swimming. Learning to swim from a young age is an important life skill which children will never lose.

“Regular swimming as both an adult and child will help the fight of obesity, diabetes, stroke and heart conditions in later life."