YOUNG swimmer Sharon Read, above, is heading for uncharted waters with an appearance in a national finals.

The 15-year-old has competed in the national championships of her native South Africa, but next month competes for the first time against top British swimmers.

Sharon, who came to this country four years ago, had a three-year lay-off from swimming but began serious training again last September after moving to Northallerton College.

Sharon, who was second in the South African championships when she was ten, will compete in the 50m freestyle in the championships, at Coventry, on August 7.