A TALENTED open water swimmer from Leverington has been named as the third winner in the Fenland Sports Stars of the Future campaign.

Ellen Williams, 16, was selected to swim in the women’s elite category at the British Gas Open series this year - competing against world and Olympic medallists.

She has quickly become the county’s brightest prospect for her age group with a host of strong performances and a fifth-placed finish in the Midland 5km Open Water Championships.

As a winner in the Fenland Sports Stars of the Future campaign - run by Fenland District Council in conjunction with The Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard - Williams receives free use of all council-run leisure facilities.

She said: “I train seven to eight times a week and some mornings I have to get up at half four to travel to Peterborough.

“Now if I want to go to the gym in the morning it won’t be such an early start! It could be a massive boost to helping me improve.”

The former Thomas Clarkson Community College student swam against 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Cassie Patten in this year’s Great London Swim.

“It was really good to meet her and even better to swim against her,” said Williams. “I must be doing something right if I’m competing against swimmers like that.”

Williams - who is also a talented performer in the pool - has represented the City of Peterborough girls’ relay team at the National Championships in Sheffield.

The teenager is the third swimmer to be rewarded by the campaign, which aims to help Fenland’s most talented youngsters develop their skills. Backstroke sensation Liam Knight, from Wisbech, and Nick Ilsley, from Whittlesey, have also benefited.

• There is still time to reward more talented sports prospects from across the Fens. Applicants must be aged 14-18 and should be affiliated to a professional club or have played at a regional or national level.

To apply fill in the entry form on the Fenland Sports Stars of the Future section of our website.