A PAIR of New Milton school students have powered their way to success in a recent youth swimming championship.

Ellie Kerslake scooped gold in the women’s 16 years 200-metre backstroke, seeing off nine other finalists to become the western regional champion.

The youngster has been training since the age of seven when she joined New Milton Torpedoes and she is currently a member of Christchurch Seagulls club.

Fellow competitor Danielle Thwaites, who also took part in the ASA Youth Championships at Plymouth Life Centre, won third place in the women’s 16 years 200-metre butterfly.

Danielle trains and competes with Swim Bournemouth.

And as well as their medals, the pair were also treated to an unexpected visit to the pool by Olympic GB team diver Tom Daley, who trains there. Ellie said: “It was amazing watching him dive in real life. It’s just not something you see every day.”

Danielle added: “He was really down to earth.”