A VETERAN swimming instructor has been congratulated for passing on her skills to hundreds of adults and children alike over 30 years in the water.

Brenda Cardy, originally from Florence Park, turned 80 last week and was presented with a huge card and birthday cake by colleagues at the Leys Pools and Leisure Centre on Tuesday.

Despite her new octogenarian status, the mother-of-two is determined to keep working at the Pegasus Road pool, both with children and adults wanting to conquer their fear of the water.

She said: "I believe everyone should have the chance to learn to swim. In Oxford we are surrounded by water and you can have so much fun.

"We run a little class on Tuesday mornings for adults who are self-conscious and don't want to be in the big pool. I had a lady with severe injuries who used to love it."

Mrs Cardy learnt to swim "the hard way" on family holidays in Dorset as a child. She said: "My father was in the navy and opted for the 'sink or swim' approach to learning in the local river.

"He even gave us a bar of soap so we could wash at the same time. I'm glad I learned at such a young age."

After working on reception desks in the leisure industry as a young woman, Mrs Cardy worked her way up and began teaching professionally in the 1980s.

She would go on to work at Hinksey Pool, Ferry Leisure Centre, Temple Cowley Pools - her favourite, and the place she worked the longest - before arriving at the Leys.

When her husband Crawford, a steel erector, sadly passed away of a brain haemorrhage aged just 57, Mrs Cardy found her enjoyment of swimming as a hobby became a lifeline.

She said: "Coming and swimming gave me a purpose. Then my son had twins, and I was needed, which was such a blessing."

Both son John, now 54, and daughter Janette, 45, followed in their mother's wake and are committed swimmers to this day.

John won the British Masters Open Water Championships in 2014 and Jeanette swims for Team GB in international championships.

For her birthday itself on Monday, April 18, Mrs Cardy and family enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea before she was presented by fellow Fusion Lifestyle employees the following week.

Mike Harrison, general manager of the Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, said: "Brenda is a real asset to us. With a high demand for swimming lessons we're always on the lookout for good instructors.

"We are delighted she continues to teach and share her experience with the next generation of swimmers."