THREE teenagers with a passion for swimming have qualified as instructors and are now taking classes at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre.

Millie Robertson, Nancy Mulholland, and Zoe-Claire Trespaderne, have recently completed swimming instructor courses which have involved a mix of practical training and classroom theory.

Areas covered in the training included core aquatic skills, the use of equipment, and lesson planning.

They also developed their communication skills, learned new motivational techniques, and how to identify anxiety in swimmers. Mark Seymour, head of swimming at Active Northumberland, was full of praise.

He said: “All three girls have undertaken their training and qualifications at Wentworth while studying for their A-levels.

“They have now committed to teaching weekly swimming lessons at the centre which enables them to earn some money and get some great work experience while studying to prepare for their futures.”

Zoe, who is in the sixth form at Haydon Bridge High School, said: “My love of swimming is enabling me to teach some amazing children. It’s a sport I am passionate about and one which is also an important life skill.”

Zoe has also completed other courses with Active Northumberland, and has qualifications in trampolining and gymnastics coaching.

For further information about opportunities in health and fitness, catering, and management, visit www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/careers