NINE year-old Alex Hobbs from Tavistock Swimming Club has been competing in a number of swimming galas over the autumn period.

The first gala he attended was the DSE South East Region Disability Champ-ionship, which took place at The Quays in Southampton. He competed in four events — 50m backstroke and freestyle and the 100m backstroke and freestyle. He achieved personal best times in both the 50m backstroke and freestyle with an excellent fourth place in the 50m backstroke.

Alex then competed in the 50m freestyle and backstroke at the City of Plymouth Annual Swim Meet at the Plymouth Life Centre. He swam personal best times in both events and gained a third place finish in the backstroke and a fifth place in the freestyle. These results enabled Alex to finish fifth in the BAGCAT Awards.

Alex then went to Horfield, Bristol to compete in the DSE South West Region Disability Champ-ionship, against a number of swimmers, many of them quite a few years older than him. He produced some good swims against the older competitors.