First Strokes Swim Schools have opened a new pool.

The pool in Stanway, Colchester is believed to be the first facility of its kind in the country entirely dedicated to teaching and will be endorsed as a centre of excellence by the Swimming Teachers Association.

The narrower format allows for easy communication with the swimmer from the poolside and this in turn helps to give young swimmers confidence and improves the speed of learning.

The whole environment is designed to give confidence to young swimmers.

First Strokes founder, Gillian Parker, said: "We try throughout to make the learning process as personal and as safe as possible whilst retaining that important element of fun. All of our 'early skills' classes are controlled by a teacher and an assistant.

"Our class size is limited to eight children so for all beginners we have a maximum 4 to 1 ratio with the teacher and assistant usually in the water with the children."

First Strokes will continue to run lessons at all existing venues in the Colchester area which are currently at White Colne, Top Notch, LA Fitness, Ardleigh Hall, The Meadows and Prested Hall, Feering.

Anyone interested in lessons should call First Strokes on 01206 265133.