A SWIMMING teacher is retiring after 26 years of coaching Winchester children.

Richard Price is stepping down from his post after a quarter of a century at Kingsgate School of Swimming.

Mr Price took on the challenge of teaching children how to swim after taking his own children to learn at the RAF base in Odiham.

The normal instructors were called-up during the outbreak of the Falklands conflict and Mr Price became one of four parents taught how to coach.

Kingsgate School of Swimming owner, Carole Wilcock, said: “During this time he has helped literally hundreds of young children to take their early steps to becoming confident swimmers on Saturday mornings at Winchester College pool.

“He has been a much valued member of staff and will be missed by Kingsgate staff and children.”