A SWIMMING teacher who spent decades teaching youngsters from Newton Abbot and the surrounding areas to swim has retired after more than 60 years.

It is near impossible to put an exact figure on the number of children Pam Terrill has taught to swim over the years, but it is easily in the thousands.

Nothing lasts forever, however, and as such Pam has retired after having taught swimming since the 1960s.

For those growing up in and around Newton Abbot, Pam will no doubt be a familiar face, having taught swimming at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre and Kingsteignton’s outdoor swimming pool for many years.

Pam was among the small group who helped bring about Kingsteignton’s beloved outdoor pool, as well as the dedicated swimming club which soon followed.

She served as its manager for more than 20 years, as well as training lifeguards, handling the health and safety and, of course, teaching people to swim.

‘I have really enjoyed my time’ Pam said.

‘I love being with the children, they go on to do so such wonderful things.

‘Devon has many rivers and lots of coast and, therefore, knowing how to swim is so important.

‘I have had children, who have done their living saving training with me, who have said “I have been able to save a friend thanks to the training”’ Pam added.

Pam’s teaching journey began at an early age.

‘When we were young we would go down to Penn Inn Pool’ Pam said.

‘I got chucked in and I just automatically swam, I was natural to it’ she added.

‘When I was around 14 years old, I went to Highweek Girls School.

‘We would go to Penn Inn for swimming lessons, but I had a friend in Ogwell who could not swim, so instead of doing my own swimming, practising for galas and stuff, I helped the teachers with the girls that couldn't swim - that was the start.’

Regarding Pam’s retirement, Teignbridge Leisure, in a post on its Facebook page, said: ‘We hope you have a happy and healthy retirement, and you will be missed dearly by many swimmers and staff members!

‘Enjoy retirement, Pam!’