A NORTH swimmer's bid for Olympic glory is back on track after councillors held back from a decision to make her coach redundant.

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

After training for the past five years with Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club's chief coach Gary Hollywood, freestyle specialist 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, including a triple British record holder and an 11-year-old who leads the 200m breaststroke rankings.

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

Council leader Olive Brown told a 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 did not 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."

She apologised to Mr Hollywood and other staff, who learned they could be made redundant from 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 and the World Student Games.

She said: "This is better news. Gary is one of the best coaches there is."