TWO members of Taunton Deane Swimming Club are in Holland this weekend taking part in the European youth Olympics.

Charlie Attwood, 15, and Beth Newton, 14, will be joining more than 2,000 swimmers aged 13-18 in the event in Utrecht which starts tomorrow (Sunday).

Charlie, who is current national 100m and 200m breaststroke champion, qualified for the team at the trials in March.

Beth’s route was just as tough. First earning a wild card, she then put in outstanding performances in her 100m freestyle and backstroke events at the trials with times which established her as the fastest female on the team in those events.

Charlie is ranked No1 in the country at his age and also beat Olympic silver-medallist Michael Jamieson in the 100m breaststroke at the beginning of the year.

Charlie said: “It felt amazing to be selected. I just want to go there and swim well, but obviously a medal would be great.

“I’m just really excited to be going and hopefully I can do well.

“We haven’t got any training camps before so I’ll just keep my training the same; I train about 16 hours a week.”

Beth trains 15 hours a week on top of all of her school work.

Beth’s mum, Lisa Newton, said: “We are so proud of her and delighted because it is what she has worked hard for and to see her achieve her dreams is great.

“We just want as many people as possible to get behind her.”

Both swimmers switched to the Taunton Deane club two years ago and are coached by Graham Davidson.

Davidson this week paid tribute to their commitment and success and also acknowledged the contribution of the clubs and coaches who have worked together as part of the local Swim 21 Network to support the development of both swimmers.