GOOD luck messages have come flooding in for a Droitwich swimmer who is flying out to Tokyo Paralympics 2020.

Swimmer Rebecca Redfern flies out to Tokyo yesterday (Wednesday) to take part in the 2020 Paralympics.

Her father Steve Redfern said they had been inundated with people wishing her well before the journey.

"It's been lovely, all the neighbours and everyone who knows what's going on.

"Social media has gone a little bit mad and the swimming clubs - everyone has been saying goodbye and good luck."

He said Rebecca started swimming from five years old and went into Droitwich Dolphins when she was eight because her brothers did before heading to Worcester.

It was at Worcester where the coach said she could swim for the Paralympic team because she is visuallyy impaired.

Since then the 21-year-old has won silver at Rio 2016, become a world record holder and world number one for a while.

"Who knows what's going to happen in Tokyo.

"She's currently fourth in the world and she's training really, really well.

"Her coaches have said she is training better now than she has before.

"It's a little bit weird because of the built up to this for last year but then the world stopped and it all went a bit surreal.

"In some respects it did her a favour because she gave birth last July and thought she wouldn't be able to go to Tokyo."

While the family were able to travel and cheer her on in Rio, because of the restrictions this year they will be watching from home.

They waved her off this morning (Wednesday) before her boyfriend drove her to Heathrow.

She will be taking part in the 50m freestyle on August 29, 100m breast stroke and final on September 1.

"We're going to have all the family over for the final but it is going to be very strange not being there.

"It's a shame it is behind closed doors because these athletes all work so hard and they Becky will be swimming in a pool devoid of atmosphere.

"She will be able to hear us though as we'll be making some noise," he joked.

Mr Redfern said the whole family were proud of Rebecca's achievements: "I've told her actually getting to this point is extraordinary.

"Whatever comes after this is a bonus."

Among the well-wishers was the manager from the swimming pool where she first learned to swim.

Tim Kirkham, Droitwich Leisure Centre manager, said: "Becky has been coming to Droitwich Leisure Centre since she was only little.

"She learnt to swim with us and she even cut the ribbon on our new extension over at Evesham Leisure Centre.

"We are just so incredibly pleased and proud to see Becky compete for Great Britain again, this time in the Tokyo Paralympics.

"Good luck Becky"

St John's councillor Richard Udall tweeted: "Good luck, whatever happens, Worcestershire is proud."

Another Twitter user said: "Good luck @beckyredfern99. All of @Worcesterswim will be WHOOSHING you on."

Deputy leader of Wychavon District Council, cllr Richrd Morris, added: "Every best wishes, have a great games, Droitwich and Wychavon will be cheering."