STOCKPORT’S future as a training ground for Britain’s best swimmers is secure.

Five British Swimming Intensive Training Centres [ITCs] are this month being established across the UK, including one at Grand Central Pools in Stockport.

The centre will be run by Team GB swimming coach Sean Kelly who, in his previous role as head coach of Stockport Metro, has already been responsible for overseeing a host of successful swimmers.

Kelly trained marathon swimmers Keri-Anne Payne and Cassie Patten to medals at the Beijing Olympic Games, and four years earlier took Steve Parry to a medal in Athens.

"I am very proud to be the head coach of the new ITC in Stockport," said Kelly. "With the new staff, support and facilities, we can make the existing World Class programme, supported by Stockport Sports Trust, even better.  I am very excited at the prospect of new swimmers being attracted to the ITC which will be at the cutting edge of the sport. We will continue to produce young talent in our successful middle distance and distance programmes and, with the soon to be appointed sprint coach, we will aim to be one of the best swim teams in the world."

Stockport Sports Trust’s chief executive Malcolm McPhail said: "We are delighted that our bid has been successful. Stockport will without doubt play a major role in preparing swimmers for London 2012. Following our success in Beijing, the ITC will have a great impact on young people in the borough and they will have several Olympians as inspirational role models on their doorstep, plus the best coaching and sports science available."

Kelly praised Stockport Sports Trust for the part it played in securing the ITC status.

"I think the main reason we got the ITC is because of the support of Stockport Sports Trust. They moved heaven and earth to get it and they should take a lot of credit for that. They’ve done a superb job."

Kelly has stepped down as Metro head coach to take up his new role, but he will continue to work closely with the club, who are also set to benefit, at their shared base Grand Central.

McPhail added: "The ITC will attract swimmers from across Britain, but a large proportion will be Stockport Metro swimmers. Our young swimmers within the competitive development programme will benefit from the additional resources."

These resources will include a full time sports scientist, physiotherapist, and strength and conditioning coach.

Kelly added: "For the new ITC Stockport, Stockport Metro and swimming in Great Britain, there has never been a better time to swim."

British Swimming national performance director Michael Scott believes creating a world-class training environment is vital in order for Britain to challenge for future Olympic success.

He explained: "Sean’s appointment as the ITC head coach at Stockport is a natural progression from his role as head coach at Stockport Metro.  Over the last two Olympic Games Sean has produced three Olympic medallists and a raft of national team representatives at all levels. He is a talented coach and will be a valued member of both the ITC and British Swimming coaching staff over the next four years."

The other four ITCs will operate at 50m pool and training facilities at Bath, Loughborough and Stirling universities, and the Wales National Pool in Swansea.

Stockport achieving ITC status seemed a distant dream in March when Kelly exclusively revealed to the Stockport Express problems with the cleanliness and condition of Grand Central Pools.

Kelly said since then significant improvements have rejuvenated the Stockport facility, adding: "A big thumbs up to everyone who was involved in making the pool a first class facility again."