LEDBURY and District ASC member Thomas Stokes has been recognised as one of the top swimmers in the newly-formed West Midland District with selection to attend an intensive training course at East Anglia University during the Easter holidays.

Thirteen-year-old Thomas has been a member of the club for seven years and is currently the record holder in 27 club events.

His selection follows an outstanding performance in the 400m Individual Medley event at the National Championships last July. He has now extended his training by attending extra sessions with Hereford ASC and has already gained entry times for the 2006 National Championship to be swum at Pond's Forge, Sheffield.

Along with five fellow team mates he has also been selected to be a member of the prestigious Worcester County Swimming Development Training Group.

Drawing from the 14 clubs within the region a total of 72 swimmers have been chosen to attend training camps throughout the year.

Caitlin Clark (10), David Middleton (11) and George Parsons (11) will be involved in the youngest age group, Emma Fitzpatrick (12) and Thomas Stokes (13) in the middle age group and Rhys Davey (14) will swim with the older swimmers up to 18 years old.

LADASC head coach Viv Jones said: "We are all both proud and delighted for Tom and feel it is a reward for the commitment to his swimming. He has and continues to work very hard and I am pleased the district has recognised his talent and potential.

"I am equally proud to have six swimmers chosen for the county development programme, there was rigorous testing for all the applicants and from our 32 strong top squad we put 11 forward for consideration. I am sure they will benefit from the proposed weekend camps, whilst being commendable ambassadors for LADASC.

"Of course the others were disappointed but it has strengthened their resolve to swim well at the forthcoming County Championships in March."