Young swimmers had possibly the best inspiration to improve their skills in a coaching session led by Olympians and members of Team GB.

More than 100 local youngsters - including Herts Ad competition winners Nigel Culkin, Isabella Matthews and Menna Walmsley - took part in the Total Swimming activity afternoon at Westminster Lodge in St Albans.

The lucky participants were coached in a variety of skills including water polo, fast swimming and synchronised swimming by Team GB water polo captains, Fran Leighton and Adam Schofield, Commonwealth and European Gold Medalist swimmer Adam Whitehead and team GB synchronised swimmer Vicki Lucass. The athletes also signed autographs and presented all participants with medals at the end of the session.

General manager Lesley Garner said: “There was a great atmosphere. The youngsters really enjoyed themselves and, I think, were truly inspired by the athletes. It was a real privilege to have Fran, Vicki and both Adams here. Educating children in different forms of exercise is very important to us. We hope that by giving them the opportunity to learn from some of our country’s top aquatic stars, more local children will be encouraged to take up water-based sports and activities.”