YOUNGSTERS at the Barry launch of an Olympian-backed swim school were dressed to impress –- as the champion swimmer waded into the water with them.

The children, aged three and upwards, who were attending the first meeting of the David Davies Swim School, were given a surprise gift of Adidas racing suits and goodies, as the Barry-born swimming star dropped by to assess their ability levels.

Two times Olympian and Commonwealth champion David Davies joined them in the pool, to help them make a splash at the club's inaugural session at Barry Leisure Centre on Wednesday (September 9).

The club is the brainchild of David's mum Sue Davies, and the whole family hope the lessons - taught by level two instructors in small classes - will nurture the potential of Vale youngsters.

Classes will be held at pools at Bryn Hafren Comprehensive, Hebron Hall in Dinas Powys, and Fontygary Leisure Village on selected days of the week, and new swimmers are always welcome to take a dip.

David said: "We were really pleased with the turnout.

"If we can give them lessons from an early age, we can teach them the right skills.

"It's about making them enjoy swimming, and if they do want to pursue it to club level, that's brilliant."

Mum and co-ordinator Sue Davies said they would welcome more youngsters in the five and six year-age group, after a deluge of three-year-olds beat them to it in taking up the challenge.

And she said she would love to see children making use of the Hebron Hall opportunity.

"It will be a challenge," she said.

"But I am pleased parents have chosen us to teach their children to swim." Mum-of-one Charlene Bennett, 28, of Stratford Green, Barry, said three-year-old daughter Ellie May loved visiting the pool.

"The David Davies Swim School is a really good idea," she said.

"I haven't heard of anything like this before."

For details, visit www.davedaviesswimschool.co.uk or call 07971 631374.