Swimming teacher Linda Bennett, who taught thousands of Mansfield children and adults to swim, including sports stars Rebecca Adlington and Charlotte Henshaw, is stepping back after 36 years’ service to the town.

Linda has worked at Rebecca Adlington Leisure Centre since 1986, when it was known as Sherwood Baths — first as a lifeguard, then as a swim teacher since 1988.

She actually learnt to swim at the centre herself as a youngster in 1966, .

But while she may be giving up her paid job, Linda will carry on volunteering on Mondays at Sherwood Seals Swimming Club, an organisation she helped form in 1989 to support disabled children who want to benefit from learning to swim — and one of its most famous alumni is Paralympic champion Charlotte Henshaw.

“Linda instilled in me a passion for swimming and helped me learn the sport in a way that didn’t make me feel different,” Charlotte said.

Rosie Davies, Charlotte’s mother, added: “I remember watching Charlotte swim her first full length of the pool at Sherwood Baths, when she got her 25-metre badge. Linda was in the water with her and I’ll never forget the smile on Charlotte’s face when she made it to the other end. I was in tears, so proud of her.

“Linda believes in people, and she helps them believe in themselves.”

Linda said: “I’m proud of the swimming stars who started off in my lessons, but I’m just as proud of anyone who tried their best and made progress. It’s been a lovely place to work, but I’ll still be here every Monday for the Sherwood Seals — the club means so much to me.”

ABOVE: Linda Bennett (centre) is pictured with her granddaughter, Erin, who is also a Sherwood Seals volunteer, and former Paralympic champion swimmer Charlotte Henshaw (right).