CITY OF Southampton swimmers competed in the Southern Region Biathlon qualifiers and gained six national qualifying places and three best swim awards.

In the 11-12 year boys' event, Sebastian Willcocks took overall first place with a best 100m freestyle swim of 1.04.54 to qualify for a place at the nationals.

Sarah Brown, competing in the 15-16 years girls' age group, also qualified for the nationals after taking first place overall - again with a best 200m freestyle swim of 2.20.07.

In the youngest age group, the ten-year-old girls, Mhairi-Clair Stewart was second overall and her 50m freestyle swim time (39.67) saw her qualify for the nationals.

Nick Edwards, in the 15-16 years boys' event, gained the best swim award in his age group, the 200m freestyle (2.05.99). He qualified for the nationals by finishing third overall.

Competing in the 13-14 years age group, Jamie Cole was fourth overall in the boys' event. He qualified for the nationals after recording 1.06.37 in the 100m freestyle. Also competing in the 13-14 years boys' age group were Daniel Morgan and Calum Stewart (100m freestyle, 1.09.07 and 1.22.96 respectively).

They were joined by Jamie Cole for the team event, but narrowly missed out on the nationals.

Joanna Jeffcoate finished sixth overall, and qualified for the nationals. Her 100m freestyle swim (1.03.10) just missed the best swim award.