A TEENAGE athlete with Down’s syndrome who saved a swimmer from drowning has been awarded for his achievements.

Northallerton teenager Dominic Laycock has been given a ‘Highly Commended’ award from the Panathlon charity for an impressive list of sporting achievements.

But outside of his sporting successes, Dominic turned life-saver when he rescued a young person from drowning at his local pool.

Seeing that the swimmer was struggling to stay afloat, he dived into the pool and took them safely to the side.

On his act of heroism, Dominic said: “I saw they were drowning and I just jumped in.

“It made me feel proud afterwards.”

The Panathlon charity, which gives over 10,000 children with disabilities and special needs opportunities to play competitive sport, chose Dominic as its standout performer in North Yorkshire for 2017.

He has represented The Dales School in numerous competitions, including football, boccia and multisports, although his real passion is swimming.

Dominic also plays in defence for Middlesbrough FC’s Down’s syndrome side and has been team mascot many times for the first team, leading them out before games at the Riverside Stadium.

Lynn Watson, advanced teaching assistant at the Dales School, said they were “really proud” of his achievements.

She added: “All our kids are really competitive and Dom is right up there amongst the most competitive of all.

“He is a role model to other children and Panathlon really allows him to express himself and show off his talents.”

Dominic was presented with his award at the Panathlon North Yorkshire Multisport Final at Fulford School in York.