A swimming teacher has been honoured with a national award for her efforts in starting a referral swim scheme.

Samantha Griffiths, 40, who teaches at Horfield Leisure Centre, won the Amateur Swimming Association's Top Teacher award for the scheme, which sees people who suffer a range of problems benefit from being in the water.

Mrs Griffiths said: "After all this time it's good to get something back but the main thing for me is recognition. The scheme is so important and it would be great to have sessions in other pools."

Now in its fourth year, the scheme is designed to help people suffering from obesity, high blood pressure, arthritis and MS. Pre- and post-operation clients are also welcome. Clients are referred by their GPs to use the gym and pool to aid recovery.