NICK FARROW, aged 10, was the youngest and most successful of the seven-strong team the Southampton Diving Academy sent to Crystal Palace to compete in the Surrey Novice Diving Open Championships.

Competitors from clubs across Southern and Central England took part in the event, to create a good quality meet with some challenging competition.

Rosie Pope, 12, also competed well in her first event for the club. Diving consistently throughout, she took a well deserved fourth place, only just outside the medals.

She performed a particularly good forward somersault, gaining her valuable extra points.

Director of Coaching Lindsey Fraser enthused: "I am very pleased by how the novices are competing at the moment.

"The club can expect a good season from the novice squad over the coming year."

FULL RESULTS: Nick Farrow, gold; Rosie Pope, 4th; Heather Bilsby, 5th; Olivia Rogers, 9th; Rosalind James, 10th; Sam Colmer, 5th; Jonathan Mace, 4th.