OLYMPIC swimming gold medallist Duncan Goodhew has re-launched Southern Water's Learn to Swim scheme at Applemore Recreation Centre near Hythe.

He made a surprise visit which also coincided with the re-opening of the pool after six-weeks for major works.

Mr Goodhew, who took gold at the Moscow Olympics in 1980, stressed the importance of teaching children to swim and pointed out that Learn to Swim had helped nearly a third of a million children in the past few years.

He said: "Drowning is the third biggest cause of accidental death in this country. One of the biggest presents a parent can give a child is a course of swimming lessons. The child will keep fit, make new friends and have lots of fun."

Gerry Somers of Trant, the construction and civil engineering firm, which co-sponsors the scheme covering Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent, was also at the re-launch.

Trant was praised for its backing by pool manager Ross Archibald, who also thanked returning customers for their support for the centre.

He said: "Having Duncan Goodhew visit us and help with our swimming lessons was the icing on the cake."