More than 2300 children are receiving free weekly swimming lessons as part of a new initiative.

The Learn 2 Swim initiative offers children up to aged 16 training over a number of levels at all South Ayrshire Council pools.

Fiona Dawson has been a volunteer with the council for just over a year, and in that time has successfully passed level 1 teaching aquatics course.

She is now heavily involved in the council's disability programmes and the South Ayrshire Swim Team Para Squad.

She said: "Being a swimming coach has given me the confidence to speak up and have a voice. Swimming has helped me and I want to help other people."

Councillor Brian McGinley said: "Our Learn 2 Swim programme underlines the importance of our facilities which are transforming lives and helping people from all walks of life achieve their ambitions.

"We are particularly proud of the opportunities that we provide for young people with disabilities.

"Fiona's experience of Learn 2 Swim is inspirational and testimony to the success of the programme.

"I am sure many more children and young people will benefit from this initiative in the future."