AN OKEHAMPTON teenager has struck gold at a European swimming event and is now setting his sights on the Paralympics.

Peter Erickson-Hull, 15, beat his rivals to take gold medals in the 50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke at the Limburg Swimming Trophy challenge in Hasselt in Belgium.

The teenager was part of the eight-member England Cerebral Palsy Squad selected as a result of their qualifying times at a national swimming gala in March.

The youngsters competed against a squad from France, Germany, Belgium and Holland.

This was Peter's first time competing for his country and bringing home two golds was a great achievement, said his mum Chrissie Taylor.

'Peter broke his personal best time in the freestyle competition which he was also delighted about,' she said.

But the young man, who has been blind since the age of nine and is also hearing impaired, is already looking ahead to his next goal.

'He wants to move on from this and hopes to make it to the Paralympics in 2004,' added Mrs Taylor.

'He is an incredibly determined character and with the help that has been offered from the Okehampton Otters Swimming Club we hope he will achieve his dream.'

Mrs Taylor said despite his problems, her son never complained and just went for 'whatever he could.'

His latest feats have been completing the Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge and joining the Okehampton theatre group the Courtenay Players.

Peter currently holds the title of Swimmer of the Year at his school — the West of England School in Exeter for children with little or no sight and intends to swim at one of the Disability Sport England galas next year which is a qualifying event for the Paralympics.

Otters' coach Nigel West is presently coaching Peter once a fortnight but Mrs Taylor said they would like to increase the coaching sessions to once a week and more often eventually.

The family are seeking sponsorship to help with Peter's transport costs to and from events and coaching sessions. Anyone who can help should contact Mrs Taylor on 01837 55382.