Isle of Man Swimming Club’s Harry Lee has become the second local in successive years to be invited to the Lancashire County Swimming Talent Pathway Programme.

The 11-year-old’s willingness to compete across all strokes and distances has proved dividends as the Douglas swimmer’s rankings in a range of events, including 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley, have caught the eye of the selection team.

Harry’s parents Chris and Kara are delighted with the announcement, saying: ’We couldn’t believe it when we get the letter.

’It is great to see Harry’s love for the sport has received some recognition from selectors across.’

Isle of Man swimming head coach Lee Holland was equally pleased: ’It really does show our athletes that being willing to compete in all four strokes will get you noticed.

’The 400m IM and 200m butterfly are, in my eyes, the two toughest races a swimmer can do.

’Eleven-year-old boys are hard to keep focussed, and a big part of this award should be credited to coach Brian Laing as well as his club coaches at Peel Swimming Club.’

The club look forward to seeing Harry progress on to bigger things in the future.