YOUNGSTERS from across the UK will be visiting Darlington over the weekend for the Disability Sport England National Junior Swimming Championships.

With more than 230 swimmers aged ten to 18 competing at the town's Dolphin Centre, it will be the biggest championship in the event's 15-year history.

The event, sponsored by BT Swimathon 2002, is the only event for disabled junior swimmers in Europe, and one of the largest in the world.

Nine regional teams will be competing, with swimmers who are visually impaired, or have physical or learning disabilities.

Eight of the competitors are from Darlington Amateur Swimming Club, which trains at the Dolphin Centre.

Talent spotters from the Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain will be at the poolside, and it is hoped some of the youngsters will be recruited to represent the country.

Pat Bennett, Disability Sport England's swimming co-ordinator, said: "It will be very exciting to see an array of talented swimmers who have the potential to compete in Athens."

Mike Crawshaw, Dolphin Centre manager, said: "It is an honour for the Dolphin Centre to be the home of the DSE Junior Championships and we are looking forward to a weekend of exciting competition."

The event starts at 9.15am on Saturday and closes at 1.15pm on Sunday.

A championship dinner will be held on Saturday night for participants when the Lou Morrison Trophy for the best freestyle relay team will be presented. Five other trophies will be presented at the close of the competition on Sunday.