DOUBLE celebrations are in order for a much-loved swimming teacher who has spent more than 40 years helping children and adults learn to swim.

Diane Pape, from Blackbrook Leisure Centre & Spa and Taunton Pool, is celebrating 42 years of service this December and has been crowned Everyone Active’s Swim Teacher of the Year.

She was swimming coach at Wellington Swimming Club from 2003 until 2015 progressing from assistant coach to head coach.

Now, parents who were taught to swim by Diane are bringing their own children and grandchildren to her lessons.

Her journey into becoming a swim teacher began with her taking her own children swimming. Diane said: “At ages four and one years old, they were so confident that the pool manager at the time suggested I started teaching. I have never looked back.”

Whether she's introducing babies to the water or supporting adults to overcome a lifelong fear, Diane gives every swimmer the same care, patience and encouragement.

She added: “I love all aspects of the job, from babies to adults. My oldest adult was 89 years old; she set a target to swim before she was 90 and she did.

“The best thing though is watching the progression of all students and celebrating their achievements whether it is to learn to swim, Honours Awards or 5,000 metres.

“With adults you have to gain their confidence, but with patience and encouragement they all progress. I have so many lovely memories to look back on, from babies to national swimmers, adults to galas.”

Jordan Farmer, Everyone Active swim manager, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Diane for four decades of dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to our swimmers and their families. Your impact reaches far beyond the pool, and this award is so richly deserved.”