Golden Alex breaks record

Alex Crossland-Robins

SWIMMING: OLDHAM swimmer Alex Crossland-Robins shattered a six-year record on his way to a gold medal in the British Gas North-West Regional Championships.

The Royton and Crompton pupil, who has just turned 12, took first place in the 1,500 metres freestyle.

And his 18:35.94 finish beat the previous record, by more than 40 seconds. It also bagged Alex a place in the event’s national stage at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, next month.

Dad Dave said: “We are so proud of his achievements over the last 12 months as he has been working hard to get to this stage. We are already looking forward to next season before this one is even over.”