British Swimming has received a £3m investment from Kellogg’s, the breakfast cereal manufacturer, to increase children’s participation in the sport.

The renewal of the sponsorship deal comes ahead of the World Swimming Championships in Rome this month and the funding will help sponsor four elite athletes – Olympic medallist Cassie Patten, FINA World Diving Series Gold medallist Nick Robinson Baker, Paralympic gold medallist Sam Hynd and Olympic synchronised swimmer Olivia Allison.

In addition, the partnership will provide support for swimming at a local level through the Kellogg’s Swim Active initiative, which aims to increase accessibility in the hardest to reach communities.

Projects will include closed sessions for children with weight issues, single-sexed sessions for Sikh women, special family sessions and provision of transport in rural areas.

Kellogg’s ASA Award Scheme will also receive funding to continue to encourage children and adults to learn core swimming skills.

David Sparkes, chief executive of British Swimming and the ASA, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be continuing our partnership with Kellogg’s. They have played an important part in our sport for many years, working with us to encourage, develop and reward swimmers of all ages and backgrounds.

“The pioneering work of the Swim Active initiative has helped us to bring swimming to many who would not have had the chance to try and enjoy the water otherwise.”