STIRLING youngsters are swimming in great numbers with the approval of Gold Coast hero Duncan Scott.

Pre-schoolers aged three to five are taking part in a comprehensive teaching programme with Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.

Nearly 400 have enrolled through Active Stirling from a total of 2,387 youngsters.

Duncan, who became the most decorated Scottish athlete at a single Commonwealth Games by bagging six medals, said: “Getting children into the pool as early is possible is best way to start to love swimming.

“It is fantastic to hear so many kids at such a young age are learning to swim.”

Duncan is the ambassador of the Scottish Swimming National Learn to Swim Framework, promoting the importance of getting children swimming at a young age.

Brian Lironi, director of corporate affairs at Scottish Water, said: “Learning to swim is such an important safety skill and it’s vital the basics are learned at an early age. Safety both around and in the water is the paramount reason we’re involved in the Learn the Swim partnership with Scottish Swimming.

“We are looking forward to seeing the programme go from strength-to-strength, encouraging even more children and young people into the country’s swimming pools.”