Sheerness swimming instructor Libby Tucker has taught more than 30,000 Islanders to swim over 40 years at the same pool.

But they don’t come much more inspirational than 11-year-old Abbie Clive who was born with no eyes.

Abbie, from Minster, started learning to swim at Sheerness pool, off Royal Road, last year and is already showing confidence in the water.

Mrs Tucker, 62, of the town’s St George’s Avenue, said: “She can already swim almost the width of the training pool. She swims to my voice and is very confident in the water. Abbie joins in with my regular Friday evening class and already has a badge for her performance.

“I have taught all sorts of disabled people and it is very satisfying to get them swimming.”

Watch out in the Times Guardian for regular reports touch-typed by Abbie showing her progress in swimming.

For full story see this week's Sheerness Times Guardian