SWIMMING coach Jim Butterworth has been honoured for helping hundreds of youngsters to gain their water wings.

Jim, who runs the Watchet Dolphins Swimming Club, has received a top accolade from the Rotary Club of Minehead.

The Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to him in recognition of his outstanding service to the community.

He has been a coach for many decades and over the years has taught hundreds, if not thousands of children to swim.

Rotary club president David Yates, who presented the award at the start of this year's Swimathon, said it was a pleasure to hand over the award.

"Jim's enthusiasm and guidance is an inspiration to us all," he said.The award is named after Paul Harris who founded the Rotary movement in Chicago in 1905 and is given to people who have made a significant contribution to their local community.

Photo: Steve Guscott