PARALYMPIC star Claire Cashmore took to sea swimming like a proverbial duck to water after bravely attempting a new discipline for the first time.

The 18-year-old swapped the pool for the open water during the Devon County Amateur Swimming Association championships at Oddicombe Beach.

Competing for Kelly College, the specialist swimming centre where she receives top class coaching, Cashmore clinched silver in the senior girls 3km race.

Cashmore, who has a lower arm amputation, showed a positive attitude to finish runner up to team-mate Caroline Ball, the Western Counties Open Water champion.

Kelly College finished with an impressive medal tally of five golds and six silvers and were awarded the top team trophy.

It is the latest in a long line of achievements for the Wyre Forest Swimming Club member who has qualified for the

IPC World Swimming Championships in Durban, South Africa, in December.