A Woolwich primary school is using a government fund setup to secure an Olympic legacy to deliver extra swimming lessons for pupils.

Woodhill Primary School in Woolwich is receiving £9,950 under the P.E Premium scheme, and is using the vast majority of the money to improve the quality of swimming lessons for Year 4 pupils.

Children at Woodhill Primary now receive a minimum of 20 hours of swimming, with an extra 20 for those who need it.

Olympic champion swimmer Duncan Goodhew and Minister for Children and Families, Edward Timpson, visited the school today (January 22) to watch some of the children take part in a swimming lesson.

Duncan Goodhew, who won a gold medal in the 1980 Olympic Games in the 100 metre breaststroke, said: "I'm really heartened that Woodhill Primary School has show such a strong interest in school swimming and its importance within the National Curriculum.

"They are recognising an extremely valuable life skill offering one of the most profound, never forgotten and unique learning experiences."

Before the funding, the school was only able to offer 30-minute weekly lessons and four fifths of pupils could not swim.

Now pupils get a minimum of 20 one-hour lessons and Woodhill Primary want at least 70 per cent of pupils to be able to swim 25 metres this year.

Woodhill Primary School headteacher, Kate O'Connor, said: "Improving our swimming program, and offering intensive swimming, has enabled children to progress at an accelerated rate and provided opportunities to develop a love for being healthy and active."

Minister for Children and Families, Edward Timpson, said: "As part of our plan for education, we want children to get into the habit of playing and enjoying sport - whether that be swimming, dance, rugby, or, in my case, running - so that they can lead healthy and active lives long into adulthood."