A passionate and dedicated swimming teacher - who was initially "terrified" of the water himself but taught thousands in Grimsby how to swim - has sadly died aged 75.

Doug Rowell, of Scartho, Grimsby, spent more than 40 years teaching youngsters as a volunteer at Scartho Baths, at both Grimsby Alexandra's and Dolphins' Swimming Clubs, and later at the amalgamated club, as well as at Daring Dolphins at John Whitgift Academy's pool. Alongside teaching swimming, Doug was a committee member at each club, and was closely involved in their day-to-day running.

After a long battle with illnesses dating back to 2006, the dad-of-four and "loving husband" tragically passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 27.

A well-attended funeral service and celebration of life was held for Doug - who was married to childhood sweetheart Val for 52 years - at Grimsby Crematorium on Thursday, December 14.

Born in Filey, Yorkshire but a Grimsby resident since around the age of seven, Doug took up a position on the committee of Grimsby Dolphins Swimming Club in 1976, helping on the front desk for a brief time before going on to teach young swimmers, after he began to feel left out as he was the only member of the family who wasn't involved in swimming.

Doug was "never a natural-born swimmer", unlike the rest of the family, according to his adoring wife, Val, 73, who recalls how despite this, Doug once dove in to rescue a child who got into difficulties in the water.

Doug Rowell, pictured left, who sadly died aged 75 on November 27
Doug Rowell, with wife Val

Even though he was a non-swimmer himself, the talented teacher instilled confidence in the many hundreds of youngsters he taught, and even went on to teach mini polo and aqua fun- a form of synchronised swimming - and was qualified to teach people with learning disabilities. As a qualified Amateur Swimming Association official, he also spent many days and weekends at local swimming galas.

"He had so much knowledge about swimming, and was always checking rules to ensure he was up to date. He got the passion from me and the children", explained Val.

She added: "Doug taught thousands of children over the years. He loved to see them achieve.

"He never told anyone he taught that he couldn't swim, but he gave them confidence to learn."

Val first met Doug when the pair were aged just 11 and 13 respectively, and by the time she was 15 they were courting.

The couple married in 1965 at St James' Parish Church (now known as Grimsby Minster), and have four children, Helen, 51, Michael, 49, Andrew, 45, and Alison, 43.

A "loving and caring" husband, the couple lived for many years in Nunsthorpe, before moving to Scartho.

Doug was "devoted" to his family, including his five grandchildren, Aaron, David, Naomi, Josh and Jake, and has been described as a man who would "do anything for anyone".

Val said: "He adored his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of them and always talked about them.

"He was a happy and friendly man. He was a giver and would do anything for anyone. He couldn't do enough for people and if anyone needed help he would be there.

"He was always there for his family, and never happier than when we were all together."

From the age of 15, Doug worked as a woodworking machinist until the early 1980s, for Ladysmith Road firm F A Would Ltd.

Doug Rowell taught many to swim at the now demolished Scartho Swimming Pool

He then went on to hold various roles with different firms, before latterly taking up a job teaching woodwork to adults with learning disabilities, while continuing to volunteer within the swimming world well beyond his retirement.

Amanda French, Vice-Chair and Welfare Officer of the Grimsby Alexandra's and Dolphins' Swimming Club said, "Doug held various positions on the committee here and at our predecessor clubs, as well as being a teacher for many years. Even though he couldn't attend the pool recently he remained our Awards Officer, arranging badges and certificates as the children achieved them. Members and parents always asked after him. His knowledge and skills will be truly missed".

Biddy Rowe, Secretary of the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Amateur Swimming Association, added: "Doug contributed so much to swimming in this area, in his quiet and efficient way. He was a mainstay of the club scene having given many, many years of support. The community is poorer without him".