A GROUP of swimmers and their coach will be gracing the first-ever Special Olympic European Youth Games in Italy.

Caroline Gray is taking Peter Faitful, Joseph Pechiuch, Sarah-Louise Casey and Laura Mitchell to Rome after their success in the UK caught the eye of the Special Olympic Committee.

The group of four, from Lewisham, Mottingham and Bexley, will be competing in Rome against more than 1,300 athletes from 57 countries.

Coach Caroline, 49, said: "I hope they all come home with medals because they are all talented swimmers.

"The whole experience will broaden their horizons and although they will get worked up over the competition they are a relaxed group and will not be over awed."

She added: "They will take it in their stride provided they get adequate rest and the schedule is not too punishing.

"They work well as a team as they are very close knit."

The Special Olympics are designed to offer people with learning disabilities an opportunity to develop physical fitness and encourage them to compete rather than having an emphasis on winning.

All four and Caroline have also been short listed for the Special Olympics World Games due to be held in Shanghai next year.