Bicester Blue Fins’ Bethany Taylor was celebrating after striking silver at the British Learning Disability Championships at Cardiff International Pool.

Taylor, 16, who lives in Croughton, joined 204 swimmers with learning disabilities in the event which was run jointly by Mencap and Special Olympics GB.

Supported by her mum Debbie, sister Cadell and nephews Leo and Euan, Taylor was runner-up in the 50m breaststroke, taking three seconds off her personal best in 1min 1.68secs.

She was also second in the 50m butterfly in 52.09 and fifth in the 50m freestyle in 44.61, both in personal bests.

“Cardiff International Pool is really big and I liked swimming there because there was so much room,” she said.

“It was great to be against so many brilliant swimmers and I was really pleased to win a silver medal for my breaststroke”.

Her mother Debbie added: “It was only the second competition outside the Bicester Blue Fins Club Championships that Bethany has been able to fully take part in.

“We are hugely impressed with the progress she’s made, and to get a PB at these national champs and pick up a medal was fantastic.

“We know it takes a great deal of patience and understanding from the team to help her develop her swimming, and we’re grateful to all the coaches, swimmers and parents for their encouragement.”