TAVISTOCK Swimming Club is delighted to celebrate Matt Edwards's qualification for the British Gas ASA National Youth and Open Swimming Championships, which are being held at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

Matt, aged 18, will be swimming in the 1,500m freestyle event.

Matt follows in the footsteps of six other club members all of whom, since the club's inception 23 years ago, joined and trained with Tavistock Swimming Club as youngsters. Some moved away to other clubs, but all six competed in the National Championships.

Matt has remained loyal to TSC throughout his swimming career. He is a talented, committed and popular club member, who has led by example, culminating in his current role as men's club captain and in the huge accolade of securing the qualifying time required for the nationals.

Matt is coached by head coach James Lake. As a 10 year old James joined the club as a founder member in 1990. He was a Western Counties silver medallist in the 100m butterfly event and went on to qualify for the nationals. It is fitting that his current coaching role has enhanced Matt's performances to this level.

James said: 'I wanted to do something for Matt to show the hard work he has been putting into his swimming.

'I hope Matt will be the first of many to qualify for the nationals so I can make this a tradition and buy them a polo shirt as well.'