BETHAN McElroy was the latest member of Borough of Southend Swimming Club (BOSS) to receive a Jack Petchey Award.

The 14-year-old, from Rayleigh , was voted for by her fellow team mates in recognition of her dedication to training and her brilliant achievements last season, which culminated in July when she became National Open Water champion.

The Jack Petchey Foundation, established in 1999, exists to raise the aspirations of young people.

The charity’s major focus is their work on the Achievement Award Scheme which gives grants to schemes, organisations and clubs such as BOSS.

The BOSS squad have been buoyed by the recent return to the club of 15-year-old Barton Townley.

Townley, who lives in Thorpe Bay, had been training at Plymouth Leander in Devon, and in 2011 as a 14-year-old was double national champion for 100 and 200m backstroke. Townley will focus on his preparations for the British Championships next year.

Pre-season preparations have been underway all summer at BOSS, and the club opens it fixtures in October with race meets in Redbridge and Romford.