Chingford swimmer Bradley Suleyman was in fine form at the Essex Swimming Championships, winning 12 events a setting eight best county times in the process.

The London Borough of Redbridge Swimming Club competitor showed his range of talents over the three weekends the competition was held.

His record times came in the 50m backstroke, the 100m, 200m and 400m individual medley, 50m fly, 200m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and the 50m freestyle.

Suleyman has been swimming from the age of five and a combination of dedication and natural talent has seen him make quick progress.

His father, Tom, explained how his son got into the sport.

He said: “Whenever we went on holiday he used to love jumping and swimming in the pool. So when we returned my wife booked him lessons but it was at a club.

“We continued through to the age of seven and then was asked to join the academy.”

At the age of nine, Suleyman joined Redbridge Swimming Club from Waltham Forest Swimming Club.

He has continued to progress and is now aiming to compete in national events by the time he is 11 years old.

While Tom believes his son is a natural at the sport he explained the amount of training the young swimmer does throughout the week.

“He trains five to six times a week. He does sessions in the morning from 5.30am until 7.30am. It shows the dedication he has to be getting up at 5 o’clock to swim and train.

“The whole family are extremely proud of him and we can’t believe how well he is doing.”