DORSET masters swimmer Nic Vaughan, 46, has received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Royal Marines after another record-breaking year.

The Hamworthy-based Royal Marines chef was presented with an engraved cut-glass decanter at a ceremony in Exmouth.

Vaughan has been a member of the Royal Marines and Royal Navy swim squads almost continuously since 1984 and has captained the Marines’ team since 1989.

He has also swum regularly for the Dorset masters team and Ferndown Otters and is set to make his debut for Poole SC in the National Arena League next week.

He currently holds the long-course British records for the 45-49yrs 50m and 100m butterfly.

In the last year alone Vaughan has: n broken one European and six British masters records n won gold, silver and bronze at the European Masters Championships in Cadiz <•> won four gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the multi-sport World Masters Games in Australia <•> won four titles at the British Masters Championships <•> set eight Royal Navy records <•> helped the Navy to victory in the Inter-Services Channel relay in record time “Although seen as a veteran, Nic is still producing performances that show no apparent sign of deterioration,” says the official citation.

“He approaches all competition with dynamism and is recognised and respected throughout the sport as an ultimate competitor.

“A marvellous example of a long-term athlete, Nic promotes the sport through his achievements and his character, always willing to shoulder responsibility and guide and develop the younger team members.”

The citation adds that at one point he overcame a serious back injury which could have seen him medically discharged.

He was also nominated for the Sportsman of the Year category.