COLCHESTER Phoenix trio Holly Bocking, Mark Holmes and Helen Thompson have been picked to represent Great Britain at October's European Down Syndrome Championships, in Paris.

They have received letters congratulated them on their selection and encouraging them to "pat themselves on the back, but then get back in training for what will be a tough few days in Paris".

Holmes has represented his country many times over the years but for Bocking and Thompson it will be their first major competition.

The three swimmers have been achieving qualifying times over a variety of events since October last year and will swim up to eight individual events, plus team relays, over the week-long competition.

Having received sponsorship from McDonalds, the Phoenix committee decided to subsidise the cost of this fantastic but expensive event for the swimmers.

Phoenix head coach Julie Jago said: “I'm very proud that three of the Colchester Phoenix swimmers will be representing not just Phoenix but Great Britain at the European Down Syndrome Championships in Paris.

"They have all qualified for events over a range of distances and strokes.

"Having worked very hard in training to improve their skills, speed and fitness, they deserve every success.”

The next GB team event is a training camp in Alnwick, Northumberland at the beginning of October.

The swimmers will be presented with their official GB kit and the relay teams will be finalised.