THREE young disabled swimmers from the region stormed the board at the national championships at the weekend.

The youngsters won gold and silver medals at the BT Swimming National Junior Championships, in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

More than 200 swimmers took part in the event including Paralympic squad members and 41 England squad swimmers.

Martin Sigsworth, 17, of Hawthorn Crescent, Middlesbrough, who is blind and suffers from arthritis, won gold medals for 100m breaststroke and backstroke. He also won four silver medals: for 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m breaststroke and 50m backstroke.

The teenager holds the national record for 50m breaststroke and is a member of the England squad.

Muscular dystrophy sufferer Shaun Potts, 15, of Stockton Road, Hartlepool won five silvers and a bronze medal for breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle.

Schoolgirl Nicola Preece, of Blaydon, Gateshead, who has cerebral palsy, finished fourth in the 50m breaststroke.

The event aims to provide a showcase for new talent and provide opportunities for youngsters with disabilities.