Three mothers who volunteer at Kirk Michael school’s swimming lessons have qualified as swim teachers.

Ann Groves, Wendy Shearman and Janine Jeffcoate completed their Level Two award under the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) after several weeks’ tuition.

Ann, Janine and Sue Perry, another mum, also passed a teachers safety award which was run alongside the main qualification. Wendy had previously achieved a similar certification.

Head teacher of Michael school, Karen Riley, said: ’These awards will really benefit the children. It also shows just what a place Kirk Michael School holds in the heart of the local community when busy mums are prepared to give up their time to train as swim teachers and local organisations are happy to provide sponsorship.’

The training was described as a ’real community project’, as official STA tutor Carolyn Brown who is also a resident offered to run the course on a voluntary basis.

The Southern and Western swimming pools also allowed their facilities to be used by the three mothers.

Manager of the Ramsey pool, Gary Hunter, was the official assessor when the practical and written examinations took place. All achieved a pass mark of 100% in the written test.

The project received sponsorship from BCC Cars and Friends of Kirk Michael School with representatives being present when the course certificates were presented.

Tutor Carolyn Brown said: ’It would really lift the standard of swimming throughout the island if more volunteer helpers could get involved with similar courses.’

The school believes its success in winning its section of this year’s Dolphin Trophy schools’ swimming gala was down to having more qualified instructors.