An Olympic gold medallist is to meet a North East slimmer who has gone to great lengths to shed the pounds and has also inspired a national slimming chain.

Sally Scott, of Peterlee, enrolled on the 'Swim for Fitness' programme at Peterlee Leisure Centre to lose weight and improve her general well-being. By following a structured gym-style swimming workout, using a newly-installed 'Swimfit' unit, Sally has dropped a dress size and is feeling fit!

The 'Swimfit' unit has been funded by Northumbrian Water through its £10,000 partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association North East and their Everyday Swim Easington project.

Waterproof workout cards and swimming equipment, including kickboards and hand paddles, make up the unit. A personal trainer is also on hand to provide support, advice and encouragement.

Sally's new figure has made such a splash that Slimming World, which recently set up a slimming class at the leisure centre, is now recommending 'Swim for Fitness' as part of its diet and exercise regime. Anyone who attends a Slimming World session will be given free 'Swim for Fitness' vouchers.

Reporters and photographers are invited to the poolside to meet Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew, a slimmer Sally Scott, and Swimfit personal trainer Lorraine Kelly on Monday, June 16, 2008 at Peterlee Leisure Centre, St Cuthbert's Road at 10.15am.  Please bring your swimming costume and come on into the water to test your fitness!

Everyday Swim Easington, which is funded by Sport England, is one of seven pilot projects set up across England by the Amateur Swimming Association to break down the barriers to swimming. A total investment of £3 million has been allocated by Sport England for the next three years.

Duncan Goodhew, Everyday Swim ambassador, said: "Everyday Swim is about encouraging people to swim for leisure, fitness and fun, making it something people want to do and keep doing."

Sally said: "I've been following the programme a few times a week for three weeks and as well as feeling great, I have already dropped a dress size. The help from Lorraine, my personal trainer, is invaluable."

Denise Fisher, Team Developer for Slimming World in Durham and Cleveland, said: "To have the chance to bring Slimming World and swimming together on the same evening every week is fantastic. We encourage members to increase activity levels regardless of how fit and active they are and swimming is a great way to achieve results."

Louise Hunter, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: "Northumbrian Water prides itself on being immersed in community life in the North East and our partnership with the Amateur Swimming Association's Everyday Swim project in Easington is a natural extension to our 'Water for Health' campaign, which encourages people to lead a healthy lifestyle.

"We hope that Sally's story will encourage more of our customers to get active in the water as well as drinking enough water!"

Duane Newton, Everyday Swim Easington Co-ordinator, said: "The 'Swimfit' unit adds another dimension to people's swimming experience. By having structured sessions it will encourage people to make the most out of their time in the pool and as they see and feel the benefits they are more likely to make swimming a regular part of their fitness routine."

For more information contact Leanne Clough on 0191 301 6733.