THREE Barrow swimmers are heading to national competitions this summer after impressive displays in regional action.

Ruth McEwen, Alex Thompson and Owen Minnican will all represent Barrow Amateur Swimming Club in either the British or English Championships.

McEwen, 18, will compete at both after superb showings in the 100m and 200m butterfly at the North West Championships – where six BASC swimmers took part.

She is among the top 24 swimmers in the country in both those disciplines and now has the chance to test herself against the best in Britain for the first time at Sheffield's Ponds Forge pool at the end of the month.

Barrow ASC coach Keith Minnican heaped praise on McEwen for her efforts, and said: “Ruth has demonstrated massive ‎commitment and determination over the years and has been a real stalwart of the club.

“Getting ranked in the top 24 in Great Britain in two events is a fantastic achievement, and she has made fantastic progress over the last 18 months.

“This will tee her up well as she moves to Leeds University in the autumn.”

McEwen will also contest the 200m individual medley at the English Championships, also in Sheffield, between August 2 and 6, where she will be joined by Thompson and Minnican.

Thompson – who will be in his second English event – is in the 50m freestyle, with Minnican – at his third – is in both the 100m and 200m backstroke.

These championships are for those swimmers ranked 25th to 50th in the country, who missed out on a place at the British event.

Keith Minnican added of both Owen Minnican and Thompson: “Alex has developed great speed and strength over the last year and has shown his talent as a freestyle sprinter with a great opportunity in this year's English Championships.

“Owen retains his talent in the Backstroke events and at this year's Summer Championships looks to build on his experience competing at national level.”

He added: “The club has developed three national swimmers this year, and six regional swimmers, both medalling and making finals as well as top County Swimmers.

“We're now in our 139th year and one of the oldest clubs in the country, and we still continue to develop young people, providing invaluable life skills and great swimmers alike.

“I would like to personally thank all of the voluntary coaches, committee members and Barrow Council for its ongoing support of the club.”

For further information on Barrow ASC, or for those who are interested in a trial, they hold open sessions at the Park Leisure Centre in Barrow on the last Wednesday of each month, starting at 5.30pm.