A PARAPLEGIC youngster who defied predictions that he would never be able to swim is now eyeing a national record after starring at a national championships.

Ten-year-old Ben Shewbridge from Bovington smashed his personal bests in both events he took part in at the S4 National Swimming Championships in Manchester.

He performed like a star in front of heroes from the Paralympic Games in Rio and is now looking to make even more waves in the pool.

Young Ben's spine was damaged by a tumour when he was a baby, leaving him paralysed from the waits down.

As a small child he received hydrotherapy and then in 2013 when he was due to start swimming lessons with his school he was told by a health professional that he would never be able to swim.

However, the determined youngster started swimming lessons at Dorchester Sports Centre as part of its Aiming High sports programme for youngsters with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Ben's progress saw him join the West Dorset Swimming Club based at the centre and he competed in a range of regional para swimming championships before qualifying for the national event in Manchester.

Dad Matthew said Paralympians at the event included Ellie Robinson and Scott Quin, who both claimed medals in Rio.

He said: "Ben found it quite surreal waiting in the call up room before races with swimmers who had won medals at Rio!"

In Ben's first event, the 50m freestyle, his dad said he was confident of putting in a good time as he had gone fast in training but admitted the youngster "really surprised himself" by knocking a massive six seconds off his personal best.

Matthew said: "That gave him a big boost and he went into the backstroke (which is his strongest event) feeling very confident.

"Ben's aim was to finish under one minute and 20 seconds but he managed a 1:14.78 and looked stunned when he heard the time!"

After winning the backstroke event, Ben now has his sights set on the S4 50m backstroke British record of 54.03, which has stood since the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996.

Matthew said: "Ben says his next goal is to beat that."