CIARAN Kelly became the first Dove House School Academy pupil to compete in open water swimming when he swam in the 1.25km Swim Around The Pier at Brighton.

The 14-year-old from Basingstoke has learning difficulties and was accompanied by Dove House teacher Andrea Merritt for the event.

Kelly trains at the Aquadrome with Basingstoke Bluefins Sharks (disability swimming section) as well as swimming during school time.

He was one of only two under-16s in the event and completed the challenge in 25min 12sec, finishing 20th overall and raising £350 for the school.

His swimming partner Merritt said: “It was a great achievement for him as at the start everyone is swimming over the top of you, which is very daunting.

“He has taken part in galas in the pool, but this is very different and something we have never done before.

Merritt added: “Ciaran is very keen and I am sure he will inspire others to follow him.”

Both of them had to wear wet suits as the sea was still very cold and Merritt added: “It was freezing, but being a nice day it was not too bad once you got going.”

Ciaran’s proud mum, Clare Kelly, said: “We must thank Andrea as without her Ciaran would not have been able to do the swim and it was great to see him in the water.

“He now has the bug and wants to do some more open water swimming. Hopefully he will be back at Brighton next year.”