Halesworth's veteran swimmer Neil Howell became a triple national champion last week. The venue was the Ponds Forge, International Sports Centre in Sheffield, recognised home of British swimming.

Halesworth's veteran swimmer Neil Howell became a triple national champion last week. The venue was the Ponds Forge, International Sports Centre in Sheffield, recognised home of British swimming. The championships were held over a three-day period and are based in five-year age groups.

Howell won the national titles in the 200m, 100m and 50m breaststroke events. In addition, he collected a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke.

He was representing the Norwich-based East Anglian Swallow Tails. Over 700 competitors took part in the event with ages from 18 to 85.

These successes bring his total number of national and British titles to 10 over the past 10 years, although this is the first time Howell has won three titles at a single meet.

Former Halesworth resident Debbie Matless competed in five events at the championships, proving herself to be one of the leading butterfly swimmers in the UK by winning bronze medals in the 200m and 100m.

In the 100m and 50m freestyle together with the 50m butterfly she achieved personal best times in all three events. Her opposition included former international competitors.

Debbie is a member of the UEA City of Norwich club.