AFTER some excellent performances in recent years, Borough of Southend Swimming club’s Barton Townley has won a scholarship to join the heralded Plymouth Leander Swim Squad.

He follows in the footsteps of former Southend club member Mark Foster, who also joined the Devon outfit to pursue a competitive career, and went on to land a string of international honours.

The Plymouth club is the top English swim performance team and only invites swimmers who have already made national age group finals, and have been identified with the potential to compete at European Junior Championship level and beyond.

It has multiple squads, but only the best progress to the top squad, which is led by the renowned Jon Rudd.

Under the guidance of BOSS head coach Will Brogan, Townley has gained entry to eight national qualifying events over the past two years.

And despite suffering injury this year, he was once again selected for the British Swimming Talent Development Programme after making finals at the ASA National Age Group Championships.

Brogan said: “Barton has retained his dual membership with BOSS, and returns to train with us on weekends and holidays.

“Since joining Plymouth Leander at the start of the season, he has continued his success story by being ranked for the third successive season in the top three nationally, in the standings before Christmas.

“This is an exciting time for Barton. We are proud of what he achieved so far and wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”