YOUNG swimming sensation Joseph Smith literally won a team trophy single-handed for his Cub Scout pack.

Ten-year-old Joseph from Sherburn Hill swept the board to win races in three strokes in one evening at the Durham City Cub Scouts Swimming Gala.

He was thrown in at the deep end when he arrived at Durham City Baths to find he was the only member of the Belmont 1st Pack to turn up for the annual event.

Joseph barely had time to live up to the Cub Scout motto 'Be Prepared' as he plunged in for the first race.

He won it and, despite being urged to take a rest and sit out a few events, he carried on regardless, entering and winning all the heats and finals, in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke.

Joseph ended the night as winner of 12 races and when the points were tallied up, Belmont 1st won the plaque for top pack, despite having only a single competitor.

The Pittington Primary School pupil said the experience was 'the best night of his life,' although he hopes to have some help at next year's gala.

Proud pack leader Yvonne Kemp said: "Normally they would each do a few races each, but as he was the only one there he just did them all.

"I didn't realise he was such a good swimmer.

"He showed sheer determination and just wouldn't give up."