A SUPER swimmer took the plunge to become one the youngest people to ever to swim across the Clyde.

Plucky 12-year-old Andrew Ward created a splash on Saturday when he completed the Clyde Swim from Kilcreggan to Greenock.

Andrew is a member of Gourock Amateur Swimming Club and was desperate to take part in the event.

He was only allowed to compete by organisers because he is such a strong swimmer, but he told the Tele it wasn't all plain sailing.

Andrew said: "The first half was really hard - the water was choppy but the second half was a bit calmer." His proud mum Nuala, 43, who is a swimming coach for Port Glasgow Otters, said: "He was pushed out by the tide and I thought he wasn't going to make it but he came flying in at the end.

"All our friends and family were cheering him on - we are over the moon." Andrew is the youngest entrant since 2003 to finish the race. The young swimmer who lives in Roxburgh Avenue, Greenock, was competing in a field of 20 top adult swimmers.

He completed the two-mile race in an hour and 17 minutes and received the Tommy Wilson Memorial Cup for his efforts.

He also has his sights set on more silverware in the future as he wants to take part in the next Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Nuala said: "He gives everything he does 100 per cent." Andrew raised £140 for Port Glasgow Otters, where his 11-year-old brother Cameron is a member.

The race was organised by John Hanna of Gourock Amateur Swimming Club in conjunction with the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club.

The Ward family would like to thank the club for all their support.