THEY are two little heroes who conquered their butterflies to win their water wings.

Now five-year-old Miles Archer from Hedge End and Natalie Kidd, aged six, from Bitterne, Southampton, have landed the Southern Water Learn to Swim Achiever of the Year award.

For many children splashing around in a pool may just be a bit of fun.

However, for Natalie it became an ordeal after she slipped on her first lesson and was left face down in the water until her instructor managed to pull her out.

She told her mum she didn't want to go swimming any more and was too scared to get back into the pool.

However, after much coaxing from her mum Marie she agreed to try again with new swimming instructor Jane Simpson who said she thought she could help Natalie build up her confidence.

After months of hard work she has earned her five-metre and Southern Water's level two certificates and is now in the big pool.

Natalie said: "I was really scared when I first got back in the pool in case I slipped again but it got a bit better each time went in."

Miles was so nervous about taking the plunge that he would not even allow water to touch his face.

His swimming instructor Pam Parsons said: "He is now very comfortable in the water and is well on his way to being a very confident and co-ordinated swimmer.

Pproud mum, Fiona Archer said: "Miles started his swimming lessons last September. He was very timid and would not even put his face in the water.

"His confidence has grown and he is well on his way to learning to swim."

Miles and Natalie will receive their award from Olympic gold medal star Duncan Goodhew at a special ceremony at Otterbourne on June 1.

They are two of only 50 children receiving the awards in the Learn to Swim scheme involving 40,000 children.