A YOUNG Flixton girl is making waves in the world of swimming by beating some of her older competitors.

Mia Mason, a Flixton Girls School Year Seven pupil, took on and beat girls up to five years older than her to take gold in the 100 metre freestyle and bronze in the 50 metre freestyle at the Lancashire County Swimming Championships in Manchester.

To underline her ability, she topped off a brilliant championship with eight personal bests and qualification for the regional championships later this year.

Mia is also part of Flixton Swimming Team, based at Urmston Leisure Centre.

Mia has been swimming since the age of three and has progressed through various milestones at Partington Sports Village until she moved to the Flixton team aged nine.

Mia said: "I have always enjoyed swimming and would love to ensure everyone has the chance to learn to swim by becoming a swim coach when I am older.

"I am looking forward to the regional championships and in particular the shorter distance freestyle and longer distance breaststroke races.

Philip Ramsbottom, Flixton's swimming coach, said: "Mia has shown an amazing level of dedication and hard work since day one of joining the team."

Mia trains eight times a week over six days which involves pool sessions as well as fitness training.

Mr Ramsbottom said: "Mia’s hard work at training is fuelled by a love of the sport and superb level of motivation that she has managed to maintain for the past three years.

"Mia is currently ranked in the top 20 in the county in her age group and we wish her well for the regionals."

Mia said she wanted others to experience the joys of swimming even if they didn't necessarily want to compete.

She said: "Joining Flixton Swim Team doesn’t mean you have to take part in the competitions so I would urge anyone with an interest in swimming to give it a try."