Fantastic start to 'learn to swim' campaign.

NEARLY 40 children are this week learning to swim thanks to an Evening Telegraph campaign.

They have signed up to become the first graduates of our summer school which aims to get more youngsters learning the basics of safety in the water.

The initiative - being run in conjunction with the Coventry Sports Trust - has got off to a great start with 40 youngsters taking part in starter lessons during the first week.

The idea is to encourage parents to sign up their children for the trust's week-long swimming crash courses using a discount coupon in the Evening Telegraph.

The trust runs sports centres across Coventry, including the Fairfax Street baths in the city centre.

The campaign will give children a head start in learning a skill that will help them to stay safe, keep fit and have fun with their friends.

The first week-long crash courses of the summer holidays began on July 31.

There were 24 children at the pool at Ernesford Grange School and Community College in Princethorpe Way, Coventry, and 15 children at the pool at Foxford Community Arts College in Ansells Drive, Longford, Coventry.

Coventry Sports Trust development manager Mary Hopkins said that the sessions were proving very popular.

And she urged mums and dads to get their children signed up for the remaining crash courses which will continue through August.

She said: "Taking part could be a life-saver. There is still time to sign up kids for this vital campaign."

They are open to children aged five and above and will be taking place at Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre in Fairfax Street, Coventry city centre and Tile Hill Wood School in Nutbrook Avenue, Tile Hill.