A WINCHESTER youngster along with others from across Hampshire has made a splash at a prestigious swimming awards ceremony.

Matthew Kesby won a top prize at this year’s Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever awards, where the courage and determination of children who have learnt to swim against the odds or performed exceptionally is celebrated.

The 13-year-old swimmer was one of a select few to have been nominated for the Achiever of the Year award by their swimming teacher on this year’s Learn to Swim scheme, which is 25th year and has helped teach more than 750,000 children to swim.

Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew and Invictus Games gold medallist Mike Goody presented Matthew and other young swimmers with medals and certificates in front of an audience of families and swim teachers from participating pools at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth.

Matthew's swim teacher, Isabelle Harrington said: “Up until recently, Matthew has been having one to one lessons to help with his concentration and understanding of instructions. This has really helped to support Matthew and he has improved so much this term. He’s now swimming in a group and works really hard. Well done Matthew.”

Also recognised at the awards was Alfie Spicer, 7, from Fair Oak, Eastleigh, who recently achieved his Swim England Stage One Award and teacher Bizzee Murphy from River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester nominated the young swimmer for his improvements in the pool over the past year.

She said: “Alfie has Downs Syndrome and works incredibly hard in his swimming lessons. He loves being part of a group and puts in 100 percent effort to achieve his goals, with a smile on his face always.”

Southern Water’s community campaigns and engagement manager, Beverley Thompson, said: “This year, we celebrated 25 years of Learn to Swim -a fantastic milestone for everyone who’s been involved.

“We would like to thank all the instructors at the clubs and pools across the regions who give their time and expertise to teach all our young swimmers. We’re looking ahead to the next 25 years and to helping to teach even more youngsters a life saving skill.”