DROITWICH ace Matt Richards broke British records on his way to selection for the European Junior Championships.

The 16-year-old impressed at the British Championships with two age-group bests in the 100-metre and 200m freestyle of 49.98 seconds and one minute 49.36 seconds respectively.

Richards made the open finals of the 200m freestyle against top names like James Guy and Duncan Scott, who had held the previous 100m record, and the 50m as well as winning the 100m transition final.

As a result he has been selected for Great Britain at the European competition in Kazan, Russia, at the end of June.

Richards, who swims for Wales and attends the Royal Wolverhampton School elite swimming programme, was top junior aged 18 or under at the British contest for the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle, clocking 22.98 in the former.

The former Bishop Perowne College pupil said: “My first GB cap...wow! I’m so excited and pleased to represent British Swimming at the European Junior Championships in Kazan.”

His mother Amanda said: “The European juniors is for any youngsters aged 18 or under so to be selected at only 16 is pretty special.

“Despite the age gap Matt is entering most of his events within the top five in Europe for 18 and under.

“He’s definitely intending to make finals and most certainly is aiming to medal if he can.”

Meanwhile, fellow Droitwich swimmer Rebecca Redfern will compete for Great Britain in the World Para Swimming Championships at London Aquatic Centre in September.

Redfern is a member of Worcester with Richards also having competed for the city club.

The visually-impaired SB13 100m breaststroke swimmer, 19, won silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Former Droitwich Spa High School pupil Redfern said: “I’m so over the moon to have been selected for my first world championships.

“I can’t wait to represent Great Britain in front of a home crowd.”