SUZANNE Warren claimed a medal in her first gala of the new season.

The Holland-on-Sea Para-swimmer achieved a bronze in her age group, at the Regional Masters Championships, in Newmarket.

Competing in the 50 metres backstroke, Warren managed a time of one minute and 1.4 seconds - about 1.5 seconds off her personal best (PB).

However, it was still sufficient to secure a bronze medal in the 35 to 39 category.

In the 50m freestyle, Warren, who swims for City of Norwich while also training with Clacton Masters, recorded an impressive time of 1m 00.01s.

"It was quicker than my current British record but, with Masters events not licensed now, I can't claim the record," said the 38-year-old, an S4 elite disability swimmer who has previously smashed a host of national and British records.

"It's a little frustrating but it means I know what I can do now and that my training is helping me progress.

"I'm now looking forward to some solid training and improved times in preparation for a home Norwich meet in November and the nationals in December.

"I finally have a structured training plan that works for me.

"My health is very up and down but I have spare days and a variety of activities I can do to compliment my training if I can't swim."

Active Essex disability sport ambassador Warren won an ambassador of the month award for August for promoting sport on offer in the local community for disabled people.

She is currently working on a book about swimming with a disability and she is also writing a children's book about dealing with Addison's disease - a rare disorder of the adrenal glands which makes it really challenging to compete at a high level in any sport.