A veteran swimming coach is in line for a national lifetime achievement award.

John White, lead coach for Thanet Swim Club’s junior team, has been nominated in the UK Coaching Awards.

The 79-year-old from Margate has dedicated his life to swimming, putting 43 years of coaching into the sport and developing three clubs in east Kent.

He turns 80 four days before the awards next month and will be retiring in December.

John said: “It’s fantastic news – I never expected it. I’m a bit shocked to be honest, but chuffed to pieces.

“To see all the youngsters come through the system and see the people they become when they leave is a reward in itself.”

Mr White, an electrician by trade, has seen many of his young charges advance to compete at every level – from club to international.

His dedication includes daily starts at 5.30am, late night training and weekend meets. Even a hip replacement hasn’t slowed him down.

UK Coaching runs the awards. Its CEO Mark Gannon said: “We had an unprecedented amount of nominations across a multitude of sports and from every corner of the country.

“This diverse group of people put coaching at the heart of physical activity and sport, and make a difference in many walks of life.”

The awards – now in their 20th year –will be held in London on Thursday, November 30.