Three youngsters have returned from a national diving championships clutching gold medals.

Elliott Collett (11) from East Morton, and two nine-year-olds, Chloe Hurd and David Cowen from Haworth, made their big splash at the ASA National Novice Competitions in Southampton.

All three are members of the City of Bradford Esprit Club and coach Julian Bellan said: "They deserve a lot of praise for their hard work and determination.

"They have four or five sessions a week - and each one lasts two-and-a-half hours.

"Some of the children have only been diving a year. We took 16 divers and the Esprit team won three of the eight events. Three or four will now progress to the national age groups championship.

"The future looks good for an exciting bunch of youngsters."

In Southampton last weekend, divers from all parts of the country took part. For the Cowen

family it was a major triumph.

Young David won his gold, following in the footsteps of old older brother Matthew who won a gold in Luton in 1998, and sister Jenny, who won in Harrogate last year.

Their mother, Helen, herself a diving coach, said: "I am proud

of them. If they want to do it, then we will support them all the way.

"Matthew broke records when he competed in Canada just before Christmas. He is already a top junior diver."

Elliott's mother Pam said: "It was such a shock when Elliott came home with the gold.

"We really are over the moon. He hasn't been doing it for long. He is so happy when he is diving. He is always grinning."