BANBURY swimming teacher Tamsin Brewis is waiting to hear whether she has been named Female Franchisee of the Year in the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017.

Ms Brewis, who runs baby and toddler swimming classes under the Water Babies brand in the town and in Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, set up her Water Babies franchise in 2004 and is a past winner of the company’s own franchisee of the year prize.

She was inspired to become a swimming teacher by a desire to overcome her own phobia about water, so she could ensure her children would not have the same fear.

She said: “I‘m very proud to have been nominated by my franchisor and to be shortlisted for this award.

"To me, it’s a team effort, as without my staff, my family, the Water Babies bubble and my fellow franchisees, I would not be able to do what I do.”

The award winners will be announced this week.