A WINCHESTER based swimming school has celebrated 10 years of backstrokes and butterflies at a special event.

Wessex Swim School marked its 10th anniversary at the Guildhall, inviting the school’s original teacher and first ever pupil to lead the party of around 100 teachers, friends and family.

The school was set up in 2004 by Chris Rees, a Hampshire entrepreneur, who recruited his own swimming instructor, Denise Sayers, to run the first classes.

Ms Sayers is now the school’s manager.

Leading the event was 15-year-old Sam Wilkinson, the school’s first pupil, who hopes to become an instructor himself one day.

Mr Rees said: “We have grown massively since the school was first set up and have now taught thousands of children and adults. It was so hectic with Denise running the classes and dealing with all the enquiries while I was studying but we are delighted to mark 10 years in business and thrilled that so many people could join us to celebrate.’’

Wessex Swim School now employs 43 people running classes at schools in Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury.