Two South Ayrshire women have been chosen to compete in the World Down Syndrome Swimming & Artistic Championships in Turkey.

The 11th edition of the championship will take place on World Down Syndrome Day in Antalya.

Laura Logan, 30, and Cerys McCrindle, 22, will compete in the competition, which starts today (Thursday) and runs until Tuesday, March 26.

Both women work part-time with South Ayrshire Council as learn to swim teachers, delivering lessons at Prestwick Swimming Pool and at the Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr.

They are also competitive swimmers at the South Ayrshire Swim Team (SAST) and with Down Syndrome Swimming Great Britain (DSSGB).

They are two of only four Scottish athletes in the team.

Laura, who celebrates her 30th birthday on Down Syndrome Day, has been swimming competitively since she was 12.

Ayr Advertiser: Laura Logan, 30

She said: "Being able to teach swimming lessons to so many children is great.

"I love passing on my knowledge to them and watching them grow in confidence as they learn new skills."

Earlier this month Laura, who is supported by her mum Betty, a coach with both the South Ayrshire Swim Team's para squad and Team DSSGB, was presented with the West of Scotland Disability Athlete of the Year award.

Cerys, meanwhile, has been involved in competitive swimming since she was 11.

She said: "I became a swim teacher to pass on my knowledge and help other people feel confident in the water.

"Most importantly I want those I’m teaching to feel like they can just be themselves.

"Teaching is so much fun and so rewarding, I would encourage anyone to get involved."

Ayr Advertiser: Cerys McCrindle, 22

Euan Lowe, chief executive officer of Scottish Swimming, said it was inspiring to see instructors like Cerys and Laura share their passion while providing essential lessons.

He said: "Teaching others to swim is one of the most fulfilling careers, imparting a critical life skill.

“Cerys and Laura continue to show that anyone can enjoy swimming, we’re extremely proud to have them representing Great Britain in Turkey this week.”

The duo both took part in lessons under the Learn to Swim national framework, a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water.

Brian Lironi, director of corporate affairs with Scottish Water, said: “The enthusiastic, dedicated teachers, like Laura and Cerys, delivering swim lessons all across Scotland play such an important role in inspiring and developing the next generation of safe and competent swimmers."

For more information on the Learn to Swim programme, go to tinyurl.com/3pnra8uu.