A teenager from Herne Bay Swimming Club finished inside the top 10 at the English National Swimming Championships.

Tom Atkins qualified for the Final in the 50m freestyle race, where he earned an eighth-placed finish.

Club-mate Jessica Perkins, also 14, was another involved in the girls’ 50m freestyle category in Sheffield, too.

She swam brilliantly in her heat and was only half a second from her personal-best time, which was a great achievement considering the gravitas of the competition.

The club have also had a successful season with a record number of swimmers qualifying for the Kent Championships held in January and February, as well as eight swimmers achieving qualifying times for May’s South East Regional Championships.

Herne Bay SC trains at Herons Leisure Centre and Whitstable Swimming Club. They welcome swimmers aged seven to 18, while they also hold Masters sessions for those over 18.

Email Herne.bay@swimclubmanager.co.uk to request a trial if interested.