CHILDREN dived in at the deep end at the weekend when they went swimming as part of the Bolton 2012 Games.

Youngsters from across the borough, including some who had never been swimming before, descended on Bolton One on Saturday for the event, which was hosted by Horwich Swimming Club, Bolton Swimming Club and Bolton Metro Swimming Squad.

The group, aged between eight and 13, watched swimming demonstrations by members of the clubs before getting wet and giving it a go themselves.

Coaches took them through the basics, and they practiced each type of swimming stroke.

A highlight of the day was the relay races and the prize giving ceremony, where club swimmers presented medals to the pupils before clapping them as they walked around the pool in an Olympic-style lap of honour.

In the afternoon, children were taught some lifesaving tips, which included rescuing stranded swimmers from the water.

Organiser Liz Trist, from Horwich Swimming Club, said: “I think they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“They will certainly sleep well after it too as they all looked shattered.

It was a really fantastic day.

“We did relay races for the competent swimmers and for the nonswimmers we had a couple of special races just for them.

“Hopefully they enjoyed it and will want to come and try it again.”

Bolton 2012 Games have been organised by Bolton Lads and Girls Club and Bolton Council , to bring the Olympic and Paralympic experience to young people in the borough.

The idea is to showcase the variety of sporting activities that are on offer to young people in Bolton.

During the games, more than 800 children will get the opportunity to try out 43 different sports run by 40 clubs.

Events still to be held next week include hockey and badminton, before the games finish with a spectacular closing ceremony on Thursday.

For information about Bolton Games, call 01204 540100.