A PENKETH legend who has taught thousands of children and adults to swim will retire today, Friday after 34 years.

Ged Pinnington has taught generations of families to swim at Penketh Pool but is hanging up his towel for the final time.

The 60-year-old swim instructor has never had a sick day off work and has been overwhelmed by the messages sent in by residents he has taught over the years.

Sadly, his surprise leaving party and final week of lessons had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ged said: "I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to all of my kids which is really sad but hopefully when this is all over we can organise something.

"A highlight for me has been teaching both ends of the scale.

"Seeing a four-year-old's face light up when they start swimming by themselves, you get the same sort of buzz when a 70-year-old who has spent their life afraid of water starts to swim.

"That is the reason I have stayed so long, after 34 years I am still learning.

"Kids still do things that amaze me and make me smile."

Ged has even taught three generations of the same family and remembers all of his students by name.

The dad-of-two recalls saving a man's life and then going on to teach his children.

Ged said: "Penketh is the deepest pool in Warrington and there is quite a sharp drop off the end of the ramp.

"I had just told the new lifeguard that it was a quiet job as nothing much happens in the pool when he fell off the ramp with his younger brother.

"I jumped in and pulled both of them out.

"Years later he brought his kids to swimming lessons and asked if I remembered him.

"I said 'of course' and he asked if he could give me a hug - I got a real lump in my throat."

David Simm, Penketh Parish Council chairman, said: "We have known for a while that Ged was retiring from Penketh Pool and we were looking forward to giving him a grand farewell for the outstanding service he has given to our community for the last 34 years.

"But as luck would have it, it has fallen during the biggest peace time emergency in living memory.

"I don't think he is too concerned about missing the 'surprise' leaving do but I do know he is absolutely devastated that he will not be conducting his final swimming lesson this week.

"Talking to him at the end of last week I could feel the emotion emanating from him when he said he wouldn't be able to say goodbye to 'his children'.

"What can I say, the bloke is a true legend and will be missed by many many people of all ages within our community."

Angela Illidge, said: "Ged taught me and my brothers and sisters to swim in the 80s and 90s, and has taught my three sons to swim too!

"Ged is an asset to the community, enjoy your retirement you totally deserve it."

Sam Bryan said: "A Penketh legend.

"Taught me and my brother to swim and then more than 20 years later when my daughter started he remembered us both by name.

"Penketh Pool wont be the same without him."

Ruth Konopka added: "32 years ago my son Ben was absolutely terrified of water and it was a nightmare trying to get him to swimming lessons and into the pool, he would get really upset.

"Ged took the time at weekends and evenings in his own time, to actually get into the pool with Ben and he never looked back.

"He learnt to swim and is still a good swimmer thanks to Ged! We still talk about him to this day.

"Enjoy your retirement, you deserve it."