MATT Thomas, of Ledbury and District Amateur Swimming Club, claimed a bronze medal at the Welsh National Championships in Swansea.

Thomas, a Year Eight pupil at John Masefield High School, knocked more than a second off his time in the preliminary round to finish third in the 50-metre butterfly.

He had previously recorded new personal best times in finishing fourth in both the 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke races.

Ecstatic coach Duncan Loraine said: “We are all delighted with this great set of results for Matt.

“He will most certainly build on these for next year and hopefully change his fourth places into more medals.

“His technique is superb and he is training diligently and rightly so enjoying the outcome of his hard work.”

Thomas trains in both Ledbury and Malvern and followed his two older sisters through lessons at Viv Jones Swim School, graduating when he was six.

Ledbury and District Amateur Swimming Club has started sessions for six and seven-year-olds on Mondays, but swimmers of all ages are welcome to trial.

For details, visit ladasc.co.uk.