Each year Southern Water recognises the courage and determination of children who have learnt to swim against the odds or performed exceptionally.

The company gives 50 Achiever of the Year awards from among the 40,000 children being taught on the scheme in the South East.

They receive a medal, certificate and bag of swimming goodies.

Meet some of the youngsters:

Eight-year-old Laurence, from Andover, is autistic but that didn’t stop him learning to swim. He has had lessons since he was three and after having one to one instruction he achieved 25 metre swimming on his front and back.

Instructor Cheryl Green said: “He has shown tremendous perseverance. He is pleasant, polite and a pleasure to teach and is a worthy winner of the award.”

Harry, from Kingsclere, was petrified of the water when he first started lessons but this didn’t stop the five-year-old learning to swim.

Instructor Kim Chapman said: “When he started classes Harry used to scream and his mother had to hide. Now through determination Harry has mastered his fears and is a happy and confident swimmer.”

Simon, 14, from North Baddesley, has overcome poor co-ordination and communication and physical development difficulties to master swimming.

Instructor Di Reed said: “Due to his poor co-ordination he has been prevented from taking part in other sports with children of his own age. His good progress has given him the opportunity to mix with children of all ages with more confidence.”

 Tunbridge Wells youngster Faith is making a splash after the ten-year-old overcame her autism and dyspraxia to learn to swim.

Instructor Connie Evans said: “Despite her disabilities Faith rarely misses a lesson and is always cheerful, co-operative and willing to try new skills.”

  Shoreham Beach youngster Nina is deaf and has to lip read in the water but this did not stop the six-year-old learning to swim.

Her instructor Jean Croll said: “She is a joy to teach and a very worthy winner of the award for her bravery and determination.”