A South Lakeland man who has taught young children to swim for nearly half a century has decided to retire.

Raymond Watson, 82, has been teaching the region's budding swimmers for 48 years since he joined Kendal Swimming Club at the old pool at Allhallows Lane.

"I've had a wonderful and fulfilled life," said Mr Watson. "What I've had from the pleasure of teaching to swim money can't buy.

"I see myself as a millionaire. I've a million memories of children and friends and the respect that they hold for me and the admiration they hold for me. I've been blessed with a gift that can't be bought."

Mr Watson, of Captain French Lane, Kendal, first entered the world of swimming when he moved from Shap to Kendal in 1959 to join the fire service. Working in shifts, he was unable to commit to sports such as football and cricket with swimming being something he could do according to his own availability.

Throughout his near 50-year stint as an instructor, Mr Watson admits he has been 'honoured' many times. Most notably when he was invited to a garden party with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2009 and when he was named president of the Cumbria Amateur Swimming Association from 2012 to 2014.

During his many experiences as a teacher, Mr Watson says it is always a pleasure to watch a new up-and-coming swimmer develop.

"It's always about the love and pleasure of being able to see a young charge come through the door having never been in a pool before and being able to send them out another door a county or club champion or seeing them move on to swim at regional or even national level. It's being able to carry them on.

"Plus the support from my wife, Geraldine, and my family. I couldn't have done it without them with going away every weekend."