A SWIMMING sensation has been given a boost with free membership to a leisure centres as part of a scholarship.

Daniel Brooks, 16, from Heathfield, has been offered the support by Freedom Leisure.

A keen swimmer from the age of 11, Daniel puts his success down to his undeterred focus and training regime.

His schedule includes 12 to 13 hours in the pool a week in addition to strength and core training in the gym.

He has also sought advice from a psychologist to get him mentally focussed for races.

Daniel said: “I’m delighted to be selected for the award and am aiming to reach the national finals next year.

“The help from Freedom Leisure is a great boost to my training and confidence.

“It would be difficult for me to pay for membership otherwise and so I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

Daniel has recently come back from a knee injury to win five gold, five silver and three bronze medals at the Sussex Junior County Championships in February, setting a new county record in the 100 metre breaststroke, a time that had previously stood for 28 years.

Daniel plans to use Crowborough Leisure Centre and Heathfield Leisure Centre – all operated by Freedom Leisure in partnership with Wealden District Council. Freedom Leisure area manager Neil Roberts said: “It’s important to Freedom Leisure that we support local talented athletes.

“Daniel has the capability and the mentality to go very far and we’re happy to give him the resources to reach his goal.

“We wish Daniel all the best for the future and his upcoming competitions and congratulate him on being selected for the award.”