A FORMER Team GB swimmer is set to launch a new franchise throughout south Essex.

Angela Wilson swam for Great Britain in the European and World Championships and Commonwealth Games and was selected for the Olympic team for Barcelona in 1992.

She has run Angela’s Swim School for 15 years in Kent and South East London and operates 17 franchises.

Ms Wilson, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome, said: “My aim is to encourage people to use the setbacks and disappointments they have suffered as a motivation to succeed in their lives.

“I had to stop doing the thing I loved at an early age, so understand how people lose confidence in themselves

“I believe that the drive and determination it takes to learn to swim can help rebuild confidence and give people the enthusiasm to go out and make a success of their lives, particularly, if like me, they suffer from a disability.”

Ms Wilson, from Hextable in Kent, already teaches more than 300 pupils a week to swim at her swim schools in Basildon, Southend, Chelmsford and Brentwood.

Currently teaching more than 3,000 people across various counties, Ms Wilson is now offering new franchisees financial help.

They will be able to borrow a percentage of their franchise fees over five years from Metro Bank to use as working capital, giving them time to establish their business.

She continued: “We teach them to a really high standard of technique from a very early age.

“My mum taught me proper strokes from when I was a baby so I only remember being able to swim.

“It should be as natural as walking.”

For more information on classes, or to become a franchisee, see angelasswimschool.co.uk