MEET swimming teacher Kirsty who has received a Star Teacher Award for her dedication to teaching children to swim across the region.

Kirsty Linley joined the Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire team – founded in Northwich - more than six years ago, after bringing her own daughter to lessons and discovering a passion for teaching.

Kirsty was nominated for the Star Teacher Award by appreciative parents and guardians, and the winner was chosen by an independent judge, Lisa Cleaver from Children’s Hospital Pyjamas Charity.

Customer nominations revealed how Kirsty goes ‘above and beyond’ for her little swimmers, making sure everyone is involved and enjoying every lesson.

They say she understands each swimmers' strengths and weaknesses and adjusts the class accordingly.

One glowing nomination from a parent whose son has been swimming with Puddle Ducks for a year said: “Our son has been part of her classes for more than  a year, and we are so proud of how confident and happy he is in the water.

“Kirsty’s teaching and fun lessons have enabled him to make progress and it’s a pleasure to see him having such a good time.

“Kirsty is always positive, encouraging, and supportive. We are very grateful to have such a brilliant teacher.

“Our son is always keen to practice in the bath, making lots of splashes!”

Thrilled to have won the Star Teacher Award, Kirsty said: “Thank you so much to everyone who nominated me for this award.

“I absolutely love seeing the children's progress each week and watching them develop into confident swimmers, it is so rewarding.

“Whoever said say ‘find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life’, were absolutely right - I have the best job in the world!”

Rachel Bateson, franchise manager of Puddle Ducks Mid Cheshire added: “A huge congratulations to Kirsty for winning the autumn Star Teacher Award, it is well deserved.

“Kirsty is such a caring teacher and ensures all the children to learn and develop their swimming skills at their own pace.

“Kirsty is an example of everything we strive to achieve a Puddle Ducks – well done Kirsty!”

Puddle Ducks provides award winning swimming classes for children from birth to 10 years old.