The 15th Durham Elvet Scout Group have won the annual district swimming gala - and this time their high profile member didn't need to repeat his heroics of last year.

Twelve months ago 11-year-old Joseph Smith of Sherburn Village, Durham, was catapulted into the national spotlight after helping his group win the cubs team award, despite being the only member of his group to turn-up.

He swam almost every race and ended taking the overall team trophy after winning 12 of his races.

He made headlines in every national newspaper, national and regional radio requested interviews, he made an appearance on Tyne-Tees television, his beloved Hartlepool United made him a mascot while swimwear giants Speedo donated some kit.

The achievement also saw him crowned at the Local Heroes Awards as the Under-16 Unsung Hero.

But last week at Durham City Baths, Joseph, who's now moved up a level to the scouts, was happy to play his part in a team performance that earned the scout group their first ever team win in over 50 years of competing at the gala.

Joseph, Owen Wallage, Jonathan Michie, Aaron Johnson, all 11, Peter Jones, 12, Alex Michie and Simon Harries, both 13, combined to clinch the trophy and bring a great deal of pride to the scout group.

Richard Smith, Scout Group leader was delighted with the lads' performance and says he hopes the group win next year.

"It was good that they did it as a team and they did their best," he said. "They were all doing it for each other which was nice.

"They were all in it together. Even if one of them finished third that was good because it the point the earned went towards winning the team event.

"All we ask of them is that they do their best and enjoy it and I think we did."