A NEWPORT swimming teacher said he is "over the moon" to be named named swim teacher of the year by Swim Wales.

Martyn Taylor, 45, senior swim teacher for Newport City Council, was given the title at the Swim Wales Aqua awards 2014 held in Swansea earlier this month.

He said: "It came as a surprise. I've given 20 years of service so it's nice to be recognised for the job I do. I was just over the moon to get such a prestigious award.

"I just love to see children progress, have fun and learn a life skill that will be with them for the rest of their lives."

Part of Mr Taylor's role sees him observe and support the council’s other swim teachers to make sure all lessons are of the same standard to both adults and children on the council's aquatic programme.

He currently teaches 270 children and adults per week, with his lessons at 92 per cent capacity.

He also delivers workshops to swim teachers from Newport and the south east Wales region and has recently begun to teach lessons to children with specific needs, which he says is rewarding.

Newport City Council cabinet member, councillor Deb Davies, said: “I would like to congratulate Martyn on this award which is in recognition of his hard work and dedication in teaching youngsters to swim.

“His passion and enthusiasm for the role is infectious to all around him including colleagues and swimmers alike.”

For more information on swimming in Newport visit newport.gov.uk/activenewport