A HEREFORD grandmother who only learnt to swim last year won a prize at the ASA Aquatics Awards.

Rosemary Caruana, 76, was inspired to try out the sport after taking her grandson to his first swimming lesson.

A week later, with no swimming ability and a dislike of the pool, she took her first step in the water.

And her courage has led to her receiving the ASA Achievement Award at a ceremony held in Leamington Spa.

“I was quite shocked that I was even put up for an award, so when they told me I had got through to the final three, I was convinced I was going to get bronze and very happy to do so," said Caruana.

"Getting the gold is an absolute shock, but just a great thank you to my swimming teacher Sally who has helped me enormously.”

Adam Paker, chief executive of the ASA said: “These Awards are an opportunity for the ASA to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the aquatics community over the past 12 months from athletes and coaches to volunteers and facility operators, all of whom play an important role in leading our sport.

"We have heard some truly inspiring stories and on behalf of the ASA I would like to thank everyone linked to this event for their ongoing commitment and for being such incredible ambassadors for swimming and aquatics."