The new president of the Amateur Swimming Association Midland District, Gwyneth Larsen from Abingdon, has pledged to promote the sport in every discipline.

And she believes the opening of the new sports and leisure centre in Abingdon this Spring will be a major boost for swimming in the county.

Larsen was elected at the district's annual meeting held at Abingdon and Witney College on Saturday. The Midland district covers 14 counties including Oxfordshire. It is the first time that Oxfordshire has had a representative elected to the top position.

For 25 years, she was treasurer of the county ASA and is an honorary member of both the Abingdon and City of Oxford clubs. She is a teacher and national referee.

Larsen said: "I have had so much enjoyment out of swimming and now I am president it will give me the opportunity to put a lot back into the sport I love. I plan to promote the sport in all its aspects - leisure, competitions, diving, water polo and open water swimming."

The new £10m White Horse leisure Centre in Audlett Drive, Abingdon opens to the public on March 28.