A WOMAN who had a major influence on the teaching and development of young swimmers has died at the age of 89.

Bessie Warren, president of Bury and Elton Swimming Club, was was involved in teaching generations of children swimming, competitive swimming, personal survival and life-saving.

Mrs Warren, formerly of Rectory Lane, Bury, died at the Alexander Nursing Home in Rochdale Road, Bury. A funeral service took place yesterday at Rochdale Crematorium.

Swimming club officials have paid tribute to her "priceless" contribution and impeccable standards of teaching. Mrs Warren joined the club at the age of 13 in 1926 and was a coach for 72 years. She was also a local authority swimming teacher for 30 years, retiring in 1978.

Mrs Warren was still coaching youngsters two months before her death. A widow for some years, Mrs Warren leaves three daughters.

, Sylvia, Vivian and Carolyn. Both Sylvia and Vivian were Northern Counties 440 Freestyle champions. Their mother had also been a Northern Counties coach.

A Bury and Elton Swimming Club spokesman said: "In addition to the youngsters developing as swimmers, it is also well recognised that Mrs Warren made other significant contributions to the proper development of a child's character in the standards she set and expected to be followed in behaviour, discipline, team spirit and good practice."