GIRL swimmers are carrying on a Bishop Auckland comprehensive's record of success in the English Schools National Championships.

Teams from St John's RC School, in Bishop Auckland, have reached the nationals every year since 1993.

The latest quartet Maria Jago, aged 13, Joanne Short, 12, Rebecca Golightly, 14 and 12-year-old Iona Stonehouse came 16th in the medley relay at the latest competition at half term in London's Crystal Palace pool.

Three of the team were competing against older swimmers and gained valuable experience for future years.

They are all members of the Wear Valley Swimming Club which uses the St John's School pool for training sessions.

Rebecca has already make her mark in the national schools individual championships finishing seventh in the junior girls 200m medley relay.

Emily Surtees, who is not in the picture above, was fourth in the intermediate 100m backstroke in the same competition.