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Swimmers and coaches gathered at Caerphilly Leisure Centre to bid an emotional farewell to long-serving head coach Peter Key, who is retiring after 34 years with Caerphilly County Swim Squad.

Members of the club’s A, B, B1 and C squads cheered as Peter gave a farewell speech during a special send-off event on Friday February 27.

Past and present swimmers, coaches, and volunteers attended the occasion, sharing memories and paying tribute to a coach who has played a major role in developing hundreds of swimmers over more than three decades.

During his career with the club, Peter also coached at regional and national levels, including working with the Welsh Schools National Squad, the Mid Glamorgan Schools Swim Squad and the Dragons Disability Swim Squad.

Among the swimmers he coached was Paralympic gold medallist David Roberts, who trained with the club earlier in his career, along with numerous medal winners at Welsh national competitions.

Peter’s contribution to sport in the area was recognised in 2015 when he received the Inclusion and Diversity Award at the Sport Caerphilly Awards, which celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to sport and leisure across the county borough.

Speaking about his retirement, Peter said: “It was a hard decision but I felt it was time to go and time to hang up my stopwatch after 34 years.

“It was lovely to see swimmers old and new that came to see me off. I’m sure with the support of the people at the club Kat Harmer will do a wonderful job of taking the club into the future and that the club will go from strength to strength”

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has helped either poolside or on the committee over the last 34 years.”

Peter also thanked members of the club for their gifts and messages of support.

“I’d like to give a massive thank you from myself and my wife Helen for all the cards, gifts and flowers we received, and thanks to everyone who contributed to the gift from the club,” he said.

Fellow coach Kat Harmer praised Peter’s impact on the club and said: “Caerphilly won’t be the same without you stood there on poolside with us, Pete.

“Your dedication, passion and commitment have shaped something truly special, and we’ll all do our very best to continue the legacy you’ve built.”

At the end of the evening, swimmers formed a guard of honour, holding their kickboards in the air to create an arch for Peter to walk through as he left the pool for the final time.