INTERNATIONAL swimmer Laura Stephens returned to her old club to pass on her knowledge to youngsters.

The talented 18-year-old was back at Colchester Swimming Club's Leisure World headquarters, to give hints and tips to their members.

Stephens is hoping to compete for England at next year’s Commonwealth Games, after finishing 2017 on a high.

She clocked a time of 2m 09.32s in the final session of the Swim England National Winter Championships to claim gold in the 200 metres butterfly, in Sheffield.

The former Colchester County High School for Girls pupil is now waiting to hear from Swim England on whether or not she has been selected for the Commonwealth Games which take place on the Gold Coast, next April.

Stephens said: “To finish the year on a high is a really good feeling.

“It’s been a very tough year.

“Some coaches at Plymouth Leander left and others joined and on top of that, the A-levels took their toll and I had to prioritise my studies, so to finish in this way was very pleasing."

Stephens is now gearing up to compete for her current club Plymouth Leander at next month's Euro Meet long course event, in Luxembourg.