A WOMAN from Ryedale is hoping to inspire others to tackle their fears, after taking up swimming lessons at the age of 72.

Ann Bannister never learnt how to swim as a youngster, and after being thrown in the deep end of her local pool as a teenager, she developed a fear of going out of her depth in the water.

But learning to swim was the one final thing on her bucket list and she was determined not to let her fear hold her back.

She visited her local leisure centre, Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Ryedale District Council.

One in five adults in the UK cannot swim and Everyone Active offers a number of swimming courses for adults across its leisure centres in Ryedale.

With the help and support of Everyone Active’s swim teachers, Adam Kendrew and Sam Calvert, Ann has overcome her fear of being out of her depth in the water and is now able to confidently swim 26 lengths.

“When I turned 72, I decided that I wanted to take on a new challenge,” she said.

“I have always been active, and I regularly take part in 10k charity runs, but I had never learnt how to swim. I was determined to continue to challenge myself and stay active, so I wanted to learn how to swim.”

Ann said she was nervous before joining the class and unsure what to expect, but soon felt at ease on her first lesson and joined by other adults and “week by week” her confidence grew.

She added: “Learning how to swim is one of the best decision I have ever made, two years later at 74, I am fitter than ever.

“I would encourage anyone who is looking to learn how to swim, not matter what their age, to visit Ryedale Swim and Fitness Centre and find out more about their fantastic swim lessons.”