ONE of the country's most talented up and coming swimmers is to benefit from £1000 of sponsorship from a Bridgwater business.

Charlie Attwood, 16, who attends Bridgwater College will receive the sponsorship from Bridgwater business Britannia Lanes, to help fund his progress in the sport.

Charlie recently broke his own British national age group record for the 50m breast stroke at the European Junior Championships. This follows an outstanding year after achieving a double gold in the 50m and 100m breastroke at the British Colleges Sport National Championships in Bath.

Charlie, former pupil of Chilton Trinity who studies the Level Three Diploma in Business said: “I'd like to thank Britannia Lanes for their financial support. Their funding will go a long way in helping towards my swimming costs, allowing me to continue training and competing at a high level.”

Maria Russell, Director of Britannia Lanes said: “A famous swimmer once said, 'If you have a lane, then you have a chance,' and now Charlie has the whole of Britannia Lanes behind him!”

Luke Buckingham, Sports Development Manager at Bridgwater College said: “We are delighted that Britannia Lanes have made this commitment to support Charlie and it's a credit to their company.

“To compete at the level that Charlie does requires an exceptional amount of dedication and focus, but also has a significant cost implication. We hope that this investment will help Charlie to achieve his undoubted potential.”

PHOTO: from left, Maria Russell (Britannia Lanes Director), Charlie Attwood, Angus Russell (Britannia Lanes Director) and Luke Buckingham (Bridgwater College Sports Development Manager).