Colchester Swimming Club’s Laura Stephens cannot wait to compete on the international stage after being selected to represent Team GB at the European Youth Olympics in the Netherlands.

The Colchester County High School for Girls pupil will swim the 100 metres and 200m butterfly along with the 50m freestyle at next month’s event, which starts in Utrecht on July 14.

It will be a first taste of international competition for Stephens, who competed in last year’s London 2012 Olympic trials.

Stephens said: “It’s another milestone for me - I’ve never been to an international event before where I’ve represented my country so I’m looking forward to it.

“I don’t know any of the other competitors but it’ll be nice to get to a final."

See Thursday's Daily Gazette for more on this story.