A SWIMMER'S bid for Olympic glory is back on track after councillors held back from a decision to sack her coach.

As the region's only swimming finalist in last year's Commonwealth Games, 20-year-old Caroline Saxby is an exciting prospect for the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

After training for the last five years with Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club's chief coach Gary Hollywood, Caroline was devastated when his £19,000 a year job as swimming development officer was due to be axed under budget cuts.

The move would have threatened the existence of the club which has other promising young members.

But a last minute change of heart at Wear Valley District Council this week could have saved Mr Hollywood's job and secured the club's future.

Council leader Olive Brown told a special policy and strategic development committee called to set next year's budget: "We have listened to the swimming club and it may be that we didn't realise the impact it would have had.

"We will work in partnership with the club and secure funding for swimming development from other sources outside the council. The money is available and I am sure swimming development will continue in Wear Valley.

"Whatever happens, Mr Hollywood's job is not going to go overnight." Coun Brown apologised to Mr Hollywood and 13 other staff who learned they could be made redundant from a report in The Northern Echo.

Mr Hollywood said: "I am pleased that there has been a rethink. It will allow us to carry on the good work that we have been doing over the past five years."

Club secretary Audrey Rolfe said: "This is good news. All we wanted was to be consulted."

Caroline's mother Renee said the next few months were critical for Caroline, who is aiming for the World championships in July.