She just couldn't get the hang of swimming, even though she'd been trying to learn since she was five.

Desperately wanting to be able to swim, Penny never gave up. And now, aged 12, not only has she mastered it but she's won an award for her efforts.

Out of 40,000 youngsters across the south east Penny, of Heath Road, Wickham, near Fareham, has won a Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever of the Year award.

Olympic gold medalist Duncan Goodhew will present her with the award next month.

'It's all really exciting,' said Penny. 'I've worked really hard since I was five.

'I was sensitive about it, and it was hard when my friends could all swim and I wanted to go to swimming clubs with them. That's why I carried on and didn't give up.

'I never imagined I'd win an award for it though.'

Penny learnt to swim at Waterlooville Leisure Centre. Her instructor Melanie Hunt nominated her for the award.

Melanie said: 'She is a worthy winner of the award for her perseverance and bravery.'