IT'S never too early to learn to swim - just ask the toddlers having a splashing time at these lessons at Swindon's Marriott Hotel.

The Swim Academy teaches more than 100 children aged from three to 11 in the hotel pool each week.

The emphasis is on fun, but with serious swimming mixed in with the games.

The academy was started by former Swindon Tigersharks coach Phil Millard three years ago. Daughter Joanne Montgomery is one of the teachers.

She said: "We try to make lessons as much fun as possible. The children go away with a smile on their face, but there always has to be an element of serious swimming so they can progress.

"We begin with Duckling Awards and work through to national teaching plan awards. Our strength is that we never have more than four children in a class. That way they get more attention and learn quicker."

The little swimmers begin with such tasks as sticking their head in the water and blowing bubbles - a skill that can also have benefits at home when it comes to bathtime.

The older ones often go on to join swimming clubs or to learn to be lifeguards.

Mark Lea, 35, of Liden, takes his two-year-old daughter, Caitlin, to the parent and toddler classes on a Saturday morning.

He said: "I like it because it's a really fun activity I can do with my daughter each week, and she just loves seeing all her friends there.

"She has really grown in confidence since she has been coming to the classes and that has to be a good thing."

To contact The Swim Academy call Phil Millard on 01793 532407.