THEY took the plunge and showed what they could achieve in the pool.

Cameron Witt, six, from Netley Abbey, Jayden Kirkland,six, from Locks Heath, Ashton nine, from Dibden and Tony Clark, 14, from Fair Oak were plucked from hundreds of youngsters for an award to mark their swimming achievements.

They were among 24 youngsters who were nominated for the Achiever of the Year award at the Southern Water Learn to Swim awards, given to children who have overcome particular difficulties or shown exceptional performance while learning to swim.

The children have all attended swimming lessons as part of Southern Water’s Learn to Swim programme, which has taught more than 600,000 four to 12-year-olds since it began in 1992.

Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew – pictured with the youngsters – presented the awards, medals and goodie bags at the ceremony at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth.