WYRE Forest swimmer Fran O'Connor has been handed a chance to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

The 16-year-old's success in 2007 has been recognised by the Great Britain coaches, who have promoted her to the world class development squad.

The elite group is for swimmers with the potential to compete on an international stage.

This means the disabled Kidderminster swimmer, who has cerebral palsy, is now eligible to race in the Paralympic Games trials, which will be held at Sheffield in April.

Father Kevin O'Connor said: "Fran has worked very hard to get selected for the squad.

"She has enjoyed a great year and is really looking to step up a gear.

"To have a chance of making it into the Paralympic Games is a dream come true and Fran will be up for the challenge."

O'Connor made the breakthrough in 2007 by winning a host of medals at the British Open Disabled Shortcourse Championships in November and the UK School Games in September.