LAURA Wolff proved she is a force to be reckoned with after winning a stunning hat-trick of gold medals at the National Army Cadet Swimming finals.

The 15-year-old from Blackburn took part in the championships held at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst where she returned as a triple winner.

What made Laura's success all the more impressive was that she raced as a senior - and broke the ACF national record in the freestyle race.

Laura, who is a member of Blackburn Centurions Swimming Club, competed in the 50m butterfly, 75m freestyle, 100m individual medley and 4x50m freestyle relay. The St Wilfrid's pupil, swimming for the North West team, competed against teams from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, South West, West Midlands, South East, North East, London, and Eastern England.

Having won all her heats in the morning, Laura went in to the afternoon finals in confident mood.

While Laura's team came fourth in the relay race, she gained gold medal's in all of her individual races and, in the freestyle, set a new ACF UK record with a time of 1:00.97.

Laura only joined the Royal Signals, based on Canterbury Street in Blackburn, earlier this year but represented Lancashire in the Army Cadet Force Regional Swimming Championships held at Ellesmere Port.

As she was 15years-old, she qualified as a junior but on the night swam as a senior competing against swimmers 16-19.

She gained gold medals in the individual medley and freestyle relay and was asked to represent the North West Region in the National Championships.

Her Army Cadet Force sports co-ordinator paid special tribute to Blackburn Centurions for the part they played in her success.

Mum Janie Richter said: "Naturally we are all very proud of her.

"Laura has been swimming since she was three of four but only competitively since she joined Blackburn Centurions when she was 12-years-old.

"She has swam in lots of competitions around the country but this is the first time she has won anything of this stature. And it was the first time she had been away from home!"

Janie added: "Everyone was impressed with Laura's commitment, her attitude, strength and stamina.

"In fact, one member of staff asked if her dad was the bionic man!

"As a family we are all extremely proud of Laura and must thank the club in their contribution to Laura's continued improvement."