LOCAL youngsters are fast becoming splash hits in the world of swimming.

In recent international trials four members of the Wigan School of Excellence were selected to represent their country while a further 10 achieved PBs.

Among the famous four was Hindley Green's Roger Ashcroft, who competed at the Multi-Nation Meet in Monte Carlo.

And look out for Richard Hampson (Astley), a likely candidate for the Youth Olympics in Italy later this year, and Nick Jackson (Leigh).

Proposals for a junior sports academy, developed on the back of the borough's national reputation for swimming excellence, are believed by council chiefs to have influenced the Sports Council's decision to support the Pennington aquatics centre.

Recreation & Amenities chairman Wilf Brogan said: "We have produced fine swimmers for years now and the latest crop have the potential to be as good as any.

"I'm sure our reputation has played a big part in enlisting the support of the Sports Council for our complex in Leigh which will make this borough one of the national centres of excellence for aquatic sports."

The Wigan training scheme, with 150 members aged seven and up, is widely regarded as one of the best in the country.

It attracts promising swimmers from across the region who compete for Wigan Wasps and, at local level, for clubs at Atherton, Hindley, Howe Bridge, Tyldesley, Ashton and Wigan.

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