HAVERING & Hornchurch School of Swimming claimed silver in the Swim School of the Year Award at the 2012 Kellogg's ASA Swimtastic Awards at the weekend.
Representatives from the school travelled to Ponds Forge, Sheffield to swim with the stars of British swimming.
A star-studded awards ceremony followed in the evening which saw some of the top names in British 'swimmeratti' guarantee the night went off with a bang, including Paralympic swimming gold medallists Ellie Simmonds and Josef Craig, as well as Open Water Olympian Kerri-Anne Payne and Olympic diver Nick Robinson-Baker.
The Kellogg's Swimtastic Awards are organised by the ASA, the national governing body for swimming, and celebrate the achievements of swimmers of all ages and abilities from around the country.
Lynda Walton, along with her partner Ted Clarke and her daughter Louise, launched the small family run Havering swim school, having all come from an extensive background of personal swimming success.
Lynda spoke passionately about her swim school: "The teachers at out school are always friendly, professional and deliver lessons in a fun and safe environment; we welcome participants and make them feel at ease.
"Amy Marren, who has just competed in the 2012 Paralympics, was coached at our swim school in her early career and became London Region All Round Champion whilst only swimming one hour a week.
"The school has a personal approach and often helps the less fortunate families by offering installments for payments and sometimes free lessons. We try to exceed parents' expectations and they are always encouraged to telephone if they have any questions."
BBC sport presenter Steve Parry hosted the awards and said: "The whole country is on a high after the Olympics, which is fantastic, but now it's time to recognise the heart-warming, courageous stories of our swimming community up and down the country – that's exactly what The Swimtastic Awards is about.
"It's a brilliant way of honouring the people who have achieved their personal goals in the pool.
"Congratulations to the Havering and Hornchurch School of Swim for winning their award – it's fully deserved and a fine example of what a local school can do to promote the sport," he added.
