A group of 51 pupils and teachers of Aquaphobes swimming lessons for nervous adults marked the club's 10th year.

Not everyone had yet mastered the art of actually swimming, but all had the confidence to have a great time in the various water facilities at Romsey Rapids..

There were Phobes swirling around the pool, relaxing in the cascade pool and the jacuzzi and some of the more intrepid members even dared to ride the flume.

Everyone forgot that they were actually adults and had a grand time catching up on all the fun that they had missed until they joined the nervous adult classes in Winchester.

Having worked up an appetite in the pools, the evening was rounded off with a fish and chip supper in the Rapids cafeteria.

In 1993, Aquaphobes began with one lesson a week for those adults who required a more specialised approach to learning to face their fears and have lessons.

From that one class of 12 pupils and two teachers, a decade on there are five adult lessons per week and some 23 staff, plus two classes for children.

This year, there are a lot of people who are insisting that their holiday destinations include either a beach or a swimming pool and for the first time they will be in the water, with the rest of the family instead of sitting and watching others enjoy themselves.

Margaret Mason, the club founder and organiser, thanked the staff of Romsey Rapids for all their help.

* Anyone who is interested in learning to swim, but has a problem with water, can call Margaret on Winchester ( 01962) 852960.