Charitable social enterprise GLL swept the board at the annual Amateur Swimming Association's Swimtastic Awards, which took place last week at a glittering 'Oscar-style' ceremony in Stratford on Avon.

GLL Swimming Teacher Vicki Carter who teaches at Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney received a gold award in the Swim Teacher of the Year category.

Vicki was recognised for the time and effort she takes in order to create a supportive learning environment and in particular her work with those aged over 50 years.

She led the ASA Free Swimming initiative in Hackney and her patient and encouraging style ensures the swimmers turn up regularly for lessons. She even organises an awards ceremony to honour their achievements and encouraged a small group to swim 3.2km for the charity challenge Swimathon 2010.

GLL was also recognised in the Community Project of the Year category with a Silver Award for its Women's and Girls Swimming Programme in Tower Hamlets. Research showed that very few women and girls undertook any physical activity in the borough and after a community consultation it was decided a swimming programme might be able to change this.

The Women and Girls Swimming Programme was launched in April 2009 with 12 women-only sessions across four pools. By March 2010 attendance figures stood at 26,626 and thanks to the programme more women and girls are taking part in physical activity. And finally GLL received a further Silver Award in the Facility Operator of the Year category.

It was recognised for the implementation of ASA products including rolling out the latest version of the National Plan for Teaching Swimming and continued strong partnership locally and nationally with the ASA and Institute of Swimming.

Commenting on the awards, Andrew Clark, GLL Swimming Manager commented: "GLL's success at these awards reflects the commitment we have made to all aquatic sports throughout the organisation.

Today, GLL offers swimming provision for everyone from potential Olympic and paralympic swimmers, to community groups, adult non-swimmers and children entering a pool for the first time. It is also an achievement for an organisation such as GLL, that work regionally within London and the Thames Corridor to be recognised at a National Level."