NEW Earswick Swimming Club have said farewell to one of their coaches, Alan Betteridge, who has had a 40-year association with the club.

Betteridge, who started swimming at the club when he was five-years-old, eventually became the club captain and led his team to many victories.

He then made the transition from being coached to helping with coaching and teaching.

Now, after more than 20 years helping children aged from four to 18 years old to improve their swimming skills he has decided to hang up his whistle and stop-watch for the last time.

Swimmers, club officials and parents gathered to thank the coach, who was presented with several gifts.