Olympic champion Duncan Goodhew presented an award to a Rochester boy to mark his top swimming achievements.

Eight-year-old Tom Narborough was nominated for the Learn to Swim achiever of the year award by his swimming instructor Derek Wickens for sheer determination and hard work in his lessons.

Derek, from he City of Rochester Swimming and Lifeguard Club, said: “At times it was frustrating for both parents and teachers. However, patience prevailed and Tom is now an integral part of our young competitive main pool squad. “

Tom was 2007 winner of the club’s Wilf Smith trophy, a yearly competition for all those beginners progressing to the main pool during that year.”

Tom was presented with a medal, certificate and a bag of swimming goodies during a special ceremony at Bewl Water, Lamberhurst.

Duncan Goodhew, who won the 100m breaststroke at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, also passed his gold medal around the audience during the ceremony so everybody had a chance to hold and photograph it.

Duncan said: “I am delighted that Tom has persevered with his swimming classes. Swimming helps children gain confidence, keep fit and have fun in a safe, supervised environment.

“All children living near rivers or the sea should be taught to swim as soon as possible because drowning is still a major cause of accidental death in this country. Learning to swim really is a gift for life and a skill that might one day save a life.”

Each year 40,000 children take part in the Southern Water Learn to Swim scheme, but only 50 receive awards.