A TEAM of student swimmers from Darlington turned on the style last weekend to become national schools' medley relay champions.

The Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College senior boys team won their heat in the finals at Crystal Palace before producing a superb performance in the final to beat last year's winners from Trinity School and take the trophy.

They were given an excellent start by Murray Goodrick swimming backstroke, then Matthew Bowden swam a superb breaststroke leg.

Luke Monument, who had refused to have a broken hand plastered, swam the butterfly leg and handed over to Michael Dowson, who powered the team home in the final freestyle leg.

Julia Atkinson, head of PE at the college, said: "The team pushed themselves to the limit and showed great team spirit throughout the weekend.

"They were determined to win and were elated to become champions - it hasn't quite sunk in yet."

The principal, David Heaton, said: "To be the best school or college swimming team in England is a stunning achievement. We are also proud to be the first team from the state sector to win this coveted prize."

The college's freestyle team finished seventh, with David Farmer and Robin Butterfield having excellent swims.