The Havering swimming school that trained Paralympic finalist Amy Marren was rewarded with a medal of its own in a national awards ceremony – and dried off with a few famous names in the process.

Havering and Hornchurch School of Swimming, based at The Campion School in Hornchurch and St Edward’s School in Romford, bagged the silver medal in the Swim School of the Year category at the Kellogg’s ASA Swimtastic Awards 2012.

The ceremony took place on Saturday October 20 in Sheffield, hosted by Olympic bronze medallist and BBC presenter Steve Parry.

The event saw the school’s Louise and Lynda Walton rubbing shoulders with Paralympic gold medallist Joseph Craig, open water Olympian Keri-Ann Payne, Olympic diver Nick Robinson-Baker and stars from water polo and synchronised swimming.

“It was a fantastic night and I’m so proud that we were awarded the silver medal in the category of Swim School of the Year,” said school coordinator Lynda Walton.

“The award is for a swim school that provides excellent service to all of its members and assists the development of its swimmers and staff.”

Havering and Hornchurch School of Swimming raced ahead to beat more than 400 other organisations to the prize.

Earlier in the day Louise and Lynda took to the water with some of the stars of British swimming, including double gold medallist Ellie Simmonds – who was part of their team for fun and races at Ponds Forge Aquatics Centre.

Lynda said the award recognised the school’s important work keeping people safe in the water.

“Learning to swim at an early age can ultimately go on to save a child’s life,” she said. “With drowning being the third most common cause of accidental death in children, it’s concerning to learn that one in three children are now leaving primary school unable to swim.

“I’m hoping the award will help to get more people swimming and safe in the water.”

The school’s alumni include 14-year-old Hall Mead School pupil Amy Marren, who wowed international audiences at this year’s Paralympic Games, trained at the school.

Amy returned to the school earlier this month when she surfaced at the Campion and met students and staff, including her own former teacher Louise.

For more information about lessons at the school, contact Lynda Walton on 01708 477951.