A TEENAGE swimmer whose career was almost ended by a crippling shoulder injury is back on the medal trail.

Eighteen months ago former national schools' champion Chris Surtees, 17, from Hunwick, was one of the most promising young swimmers in the country with a string of titles to his name.

But he was forced out of action for more than a year after dislocating his right shoulder in a competition in March 2001.

This week Chris has made his comeback in dramatic style, winning a silver medal in the National Swimming Championships held in Sheffield, where he swam a personal best time of 57.24 seconds in the 17 to 18 years 100 metres butterfly event.

Before the competition he had already announced his return by coming first reserve for the 100 metres final in the Senior Nationals and being chosen for trials for England's Commonwealth Games team.

Chris's father Paul said his recovery was only due to months of physiotherapy and a great deal of grit and tenacity.

He trains for 16 hours a week with Middlesborough Swimming Club as well as studying for A levels in sport, computing and biology at St John's RC School, in Bishop Auckland.

Mr Surtees said: "The injury was a huge blow but he has shown a lot of determination and willpower to get back."