A VISIT from an Olympian got a brand new swimming club off to a great start.

Katy Sexton MBE, who competed in 100m and 200m backstroke at the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens for Team GB, visited the Rothesay Hotel in Highcliffe to launch the Seabrook Seals Swim School.

The club has been set up by Dee Seabrook, who also runs the Seabrook Seals Open Water Swimming Group, and has 20 years of experience as an instructor.

She said: “Katy and I did a swimming course together some years back and have been friends ever since, so it’s lovely for her to come out and meet the young members of the club.

“It’s nice for the children to see someone so inspirational to encourage them with their swimming.”

Dee launched the new swimming club, which accepts members from babies to adults, around five weeks ago, but has already had great success.

Lucy Hawthorne of Southbourne said: “Dee was teaching both of my children already, and watching them learn inspired me to take part myself.

“The girls have a wonderful technique now, and it’s a lovely thing for them to be able to do.”

Mum Julia Larkin’s sons, aged seven and 10, are also members of the club.

She said: “Dee makes swimming really fun for all the children, and the boys are actually much better than me now.”

Katy, who won a World Championship gold medal for 200m backstroke, has been competing for her country since she was 13 years old.

She said: “As we’ve had the Olympics last year, it’s still quite fresh in everyone’s minds and it’s great for me to help to continue the legacy it created.”