York City Baths Club president Adam Baxter has been specially honoured to mark the amazing contribution he has made to swimming.

Baxter, who recently turned 80 years of age, has been associated with the York club for, incredibly, about 60 years, and indeed still teaches youngsters weekly.

He was recently given a special award by the North Eastern Counties Swimming Association to mark the work he has done for the sport in the region. The York club followed this up by making a special presentation of their own to thank him for his service he has given down the years.

Baxter was still competing in masters events up until a few years ago, while his wife Pat, herself a septuagenarian, still does so. Daughter Susan was also an international swimmer.

Down the years he has been general secretary of York City Baths Club as well as a Yorkshire committee member and he has taken up various official duties.

Peter Thompson, himself a YCBC coach of 30 years' standing, said: "His work has been very significant over the years and he's still there teaching youngsters. He has been superb for the club and for the sport."

Updated: 11:45 Saturday, June 07, 2003