They made their way to the poolside full of excitement about what, for most, would be their first-ever swimming lesson.

And hopes are high that the skills these six and seven-year-olds pick up during their swimming course will help them to enjoy the water, safely, for their whole lives.

The group of 20 Year 2s from Bluebell Primary School in Eaton have become the first to take part in a session inspired by our Summer of Swimming campaign.

Over the next five weeks, the youngsters will join in a swim course provided free of charge by Norwich's Riverside Leisure Centre.

Bradley Rea, Bluebell Primary's sports instructor, said the school applied to be part of the Summer of Swimming scheme after it was announced earlier this month.

Mr Rea said the lessons were a great opportunity for the pupils.

He said: 'We do swimming lessons for Years 3 to 6 so for them to have this opportunity to get a bit of familiarity with the water already is a great thing.

'It's crucial that the children know how to swim and how to act when they are in the water.'

READ MORE: A Summer of Swimming: Launch of our campaign to equip youngsters with life-saving skills

Coach firm Marett's Chariots is also joining in by providing free transport to and from the pool each week for Bluebell's pupils.

Anthony Marret, director, said: 'Learning to swim is a fundamental part of childhood and we hope they've had a nice time at the pool when they get back on the coach each week.

'We're supported by the local community so we have a charity budget to give something back each year.'

St William's Primary School in Sprowston has also signed up to be part of the Summer of Swimming campaign, and 20 of their Year 5 pupils will have lessons at the leisure centre over the next five weeks as well. Lorna Furness, swim co-ordinator at the leisure centre, said: 'Learning to swim is not just a matter of going down to the pool and having fun - it's an essential life skill.

'It's brilliant to see these kids here today. We've got 20 children who will be able to start learning how to have fun in the water safely. I hear so many parents say they have a fear of water, and they don't want their children to have that as well.'

Get involved

Here are just some of the ways you can do your bit to support our Summer of Swimming campaign.

• Pledge to find a way for you or your children to learn to swim if you or they don't already. If you do so make sure you tell us about it.

• Encourage your children, friends and family, particularly those with young children, to learn more about how to keep safe around water

• Campaign for your local school to make sure they are completing their national curriculum requirement for swimming

• If you run a swimming club or lesson, think how you can encourage more young people to learn and take up the sport

• Did learning to swim save your life? Do you regret never learning? Share your thoughts with us on why becoming a proficient swimmer is so important

• Whatever you can do to promote swimming as an activity or to highlight how to stay safe in the water, please do let us know.

Click here for information on swimming lessons and sessions in Norwich

• If you think you can help, email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk