VETERAN swimmer Don Bland who was thwarted in his bid for European medal glory more than 50 years ago has finally fulfilled his dream, winning three in one championship - and all gold.

The 70-year-old beat off stiff competition at the European Masters Championship, in Palma, Majorca, setting two records at the same time.

Speaking on his return from Spain, he said: "I have always wanted a European medal and I am proud to have finally won."

Mr Bland, of Fairburn Avenue, Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, was a finalist in the 1948 Olympics at 1,500m freestyle, and had hoped to win a medal in the same event in the 1950 European championships in Austria. His hopes were dashed when the Amateur Swimming Association decided not to send a team.

After marrying, he hung up his trunks for more than 40 years, taking to the water only to teach his sons to swim.

Mr Bland's bid for the top in the swimming started as a young boy at a swimming pool, in Birtley where his father - who won The Northern Echo-sponsored Tees Race in 1938 - was pool manager.

Mr Bland went on to win the Tees Race himself, in 1948.

In the most recent competition he won the men's 70-74 years 800m freestyle in 12m 28.70secs, the 400m in 5min 57.01sec and the 200m in 2min 51.62sec. The 800m and 400m times are new British and European records.

He is coached by father and son, John and Kevin Renshaw, of the Chester-le-Street Amateur Swimming Club