SOUTH Dorset Tornado Tom Mules finished the third best 11-year-old boy in the country at the British ASA National Championships.

Competing for the first time at the competition, Mules accumulated 2,308 points from his six events, which was 69 points better than the next best entrant.

Despite facing a demanding programme the youngster produced fine performances in all of his heats before bettering four of those qualifying times in the finals.

His strength and endurance saw him claim two silvers in the 100m freestyle and 200m fly, and a bronze in the 100m fly.

He also broke six club records and was recognised as the best 100m distance swimmer in his age group.

Fellow Tornado Laura Newsam also enjoyed a fabulous competition in her third successive year at the event.

Racing in the 13 years' section, she produced an outstanding performance in the 200m individual medley in which she finished fifth in the final in a personal best time.

Newsam also claimed ninth place in the 100m fly and 24th in the 200m fly, producing another personal best and club record time in the former.

She finished as the top 13-year-old Dorset girl at the championships and she is now hoping to be selected for the regional talent development programme for the third year running.

South Dorset's other star performer at the nationals was Tom Crew, who excelled in the freestyle events.

The 14-year-old produced a large personal best time and club record to finish 13th in the 200m event before recording another personal best in the 100m distance. He wrapped up his championships with a strong outing in the 400m.

Crew has already excelled in biathlon and biathle championships this year, recently qualifying to represent Great Britain at the World Biathle Championships.

A club spokesman said: "The whole club is very proud of these three swimmers' achievements. They have performed at the top level, matching and beating many swimmers from the big-name top clubs in England."

If you would like to join the Tornadoes, a trial session can easily be arranged by contacting the secretary.

The South Dorset club are also actively involved in teaching kids to swim with a variety of standards from beginners through to developing strokes and skills for competitions.

Sponsors for the club are also very welcome as well as qualified swim teachers or enthusiastic pool-side helpers.

Telephone Sharon Howe on 01305 814105 or e-mail her on secretary.tornadoesdorset@virgin.net.

More details are also available at www.tornadoesuk.co.uk