BLITHFIELD reservoir, Staffordshire was host to the 2026 British and English Aquathlon Championships last weekend.

Local athletes Charlotte and Hannah Walker took on the 750m swim followed by 5km run on what was an unexpected chilly morning following the recent heatwaves.

Wetsuits on for the one-lap swim course which looked a little green but both swam well with Charlotte fourth out of the water and Hannah 12th.

Into transition to don trainers and out onto the flat but rough and gravelly run course - great care needed here to avoid ankle injuries which both girls witnessed on the day from other competitors.

Charlotte improved her position to finish second female on the day and first in her age category, claiming the gold medal and becoming English and British Champion.

Hannah put in a strong run to finish 11th overall, claiming third place on the podium in her age group.

Both have qualified for the World Aquathlon Championships which take place in November in Abu Dhabi.

Hannah has chosen not to take part as she returns to university to complete her studies.

Charlotte meanwhile will continue to train for this event - her goal to complete the set of gold medals in her age group following this weekend’s success in the English and British Championships and her win in Banyoles, Spain last month at the Europeans.

The sisters have been members of Tavistock Athletics Club and Tavistock Swimming Club since they were eight years old.

Competing in a range of events over the years both clubs have supported their journeys through their teens to young adults. Many thanks to both clubs and also to Mount Kelly Swim Centre where they have been part of the FANS scheme for national representation for the last two years.