The standard was higher than ever at the London Regional Championships for swimmers with learning disabilities, as records were broken in 11 of the 14 finals.

Swimmers from 16 London boroughs took part at Ladywell Leisure Centre, Lewisham, last week. "It was successful - there were more than 120 swimmers on the day," said Caroline Argent of the London Sports Forum for Disabled People.

The event was supported by the forum and Lewisham Council and will be held at Ladywell again next year.

One star performer was Debbie Burns, representing Cherry Orchard Day Centre in Croydon. Burns, 31, claimed second in the one-length breast-stroke final and added another silver in the three-length individual medley in a time of 2 mins 11 secs.

Burns, of Hadley Wood Rise, Kenley, represented England in Poland in 1996 and has a chance of representing the country in the equestrian events at the Paralympic Games in Sydney in 2000.

Lewisham was the best-represented borough with 24 competitors, the most outstanding achievements coming from Lee and Jamie Golding of Brent Knoll School. Jamie finished second in the men's one length freestyle (20.02s), beating Lee into third (22.03s).

Lee took revenge in the three-length individual medley as he took gold in 1:27.32. Jamie managed the bronze medal with his time of 1:37.16.

Kent ASA officials supported the event.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.