KIDDERMINSTER swimmer Ellie Bainbridge was jumping for joy after capturing a national title at the ASA Open Water National Championships at Rother Valley Country Park.

The 12-year-old took on a 24 strong field of boys and girls and never looked back from a good start to win her age group.

She established an early lead over the pack and maintained her lead throughout the 20 minutes of hard racing over the 1.5 kilometre course.

Having left Holy Trinity School in 2015 to accept a swimming scholarship at Ellesmere College, Shropshire, Ellie has had a productive first season in both the pool and open water disciplines with Ellesmere College Titans, culminating in her first appearance at the prestigious National Championships.

After qualifying for the event, she warmed up by travelling to Mallorca to train at the Blue Water Elite Swim Training (BEST) Centre to gain valuable open water swimming practice at their week-long ‘Bestfest’ event.

This was followed shortly afterwards by taking the win in her age group at the Regional Open Water Championships held at Bosworth Water, Leicestershire.

Ellie parents Nicola and James are both former national level swimmers and there was more than a hint of deja-vu about Ellie’s success, coming almost 29 years to the day since her father had won the 100m freestyle. in the same age section.

She is also coached by former Wyre Forest Swimming Club chief Alan Bircher.