TWO talented St. Ambrose College swimmers are making waves on the national stage.

Joseph Deighan, 14, from Timperley, has just won silver at the national championships in the 400 metres individual medley (IM). This win also follows a series of gold medal performances in both IM and freestyle from 100 up to 1500 metres at both county and regional level.

Joseph trains for 16 hours in the water each week, training at both in the St. Ambrose College pool and for Stockport Metro.

He said: “It's not in the slightest bit boring. We do drills and races and the coaches keep it interesting. I'd do more if I could.”

“It's absolutely fantastic to have the 25 metre pool at St. Ambrose because I can do extra training at lunch time.”

Fifteen-year-old Ciaron Byrne, from Sale, has also had great success in the pool and has just been selected to represent Great Britain in a European tie against the Czech Republic in Prague in March - the first national honour for the pupil who has been perfecting his skills for the last five years.

Ciaron said: “I also train for around 16 hours a week both at St. Ambrose and for Manchester - I would never even have dreamed of playing water polo. I just want to continue playing for GB through the age levels and do the best I can.”

St. Ambrose College wwimming and water polo coach Paula Chandler said: “Joseph and Ciaron have always gone that extra mile beyond what is expected, even by the most demanding of coaches, and deserve every success. We are very proud of their achievements.”