CHAMPION swimmer David Davies is set to inspire generations of Barry youngsters following the launch of a swim school in the town.

The reigning Commonwealth 1,500m freestyle gold holder and Olympic Open Water 10km silver medallist and his family hope to inspire youngsters to gain water confidence and learn a skill that will serve them the whole of their lives.

The David Davies Swim School will make its first foray into the water at Barry Leisure Centre next week.

David, who hopes to compete in both the 1500m freestyle and 10km open water events in London 2012, said: "When I was young, sport took over my life.

"We are setting up a swim school in Barry to put something back into the local community.

"The pool is always heavily packed and youngsters don’t really get a lot of attention.

"My mum (Sue Davies) is the brainchild behind this."

Co-ordinator Sue said David would assess the participants, aged three plus, to see what swim school they would start in for the courses running from October until Christmas.

She said: "It gives everybody a lifelong skill and it’s all done through play.

"They can move on to become competent swimmers or move on to become competitive swimmers should they wish.

"Hopefully, we might have some budding Olympians in the future."

She added: "We would even consider adults if they wanted to learn to swim."

Classes will involve small groups of swimmers taught by Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Level Two teachers.

And swimmers can strive for up to ten levels during the sessions to be held at privately owned pools in the area.

Everyone is welcome to attend the launch and anyone interested in joining can sign up on the day.

The David Davies Swim School launch will take place at Barry Leisure Centre at 6pm on Wednesday, September 9.