Ellie collects award for her swimming

Ellie Bicknell won an achiever of the year award at the 2013 Southern Water learn to swim awards.

She was among 24 swimmers to receive a medal and goodie bag from Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew.

He said: “It is great to see so many children who have learnt to swim with help from Southern Water.

“I have been fortunate to have had so much enjoyment from swimming in my life and it’s nice to see these youngsters so enthusiastic about the sport.”

Ellie, 11, of Nelson Road, has swimming lessons at the Arena Sports Centre.

The awards are given to children who have shown courage in overcoming difficulties or for exceptional performance while learning to swim.

The ceremony took place at a family day at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth.