Bicester Blue Fins’ Freddie Ashley-Sparks is celebrating after being selected to compete for Oxfordshire & North Buckinghamshire at the inter-county junior gala next month.

The 11-year-old was selected from county rankings and will compete at the event in Biggleswade near Bedford this Saturday.

Ashley-Sparks lives in Upper Heyford and has been swimming at Bicester Blue Fins since 2009.

He’s the club’s 11-year-old boys champion, a member of the competitive squad that recently secured promotion to the first division of the National Arena League.

He also swims in the Milton Keynes & District Junior Swimming League.

“Freddie’s had a tremendous 12 months, breaking age group records at the club, competing at regional level and swimming at events all over the country,” said the club’s head coach Struan McNeil.

“We’re delighted he’s been selected to represent our county and gain some more great experience.

“It’s not only something he can be personally proud of, but the club’s proud of him too.”