A TALENTED youngster from Suffolk has managed to swim one mile at just four years old.Maddison Brown has been swimming for less than a year, but has already completed 100 lengths in just 100 minutes and it is thought she is one of the youngest in the country to manage the feat.

A TALENTED youngster from Suffolk has managed to swim one mile at just four years old.

Maddison Brown has been swimming for less than a year, but has already completed 100 lengths in just 100 minutes and it is thought she is one of the youngest in the country to manage the feat.

After weekly practice, including swims of half a mile, Maddison, from Blundeston, said she was "quite proud" of her impressive achievement.

Her mother, Helen Brown, said Maddison was a natural in the water and few children would even attempt the distance.

"From what I've been told this is quite unusual. It takes a lot both physically and mentally - a four-year-old can easily lose interest going up and down the pool 100 times," said Mrs Brown. "She only learnt to swim in July last year and then suddenly in a short amount of time she did quite a lot. She just really took to it as soon as she got in the water. It will be fantastic if she keeps at it and continues to make progress."

Mrs Brown said her family were all keen swimmers and her brother swam for the county when he was younger. Maddison will stay at the swimming club to improve her water skills and learn more strokes.

"Myself, my husband and Maddison's little sister Eleanor were all there to cheer her on. She's worked very hard and we are all exceptionally proud of her," added Mrs Brown.

Swimming teacher Jane Tomlinson, who runs the Dolphin Swim Club based in Burgh Castle, said "Maddison is doing exceptionally well. She has naturally very good co-ordination and that helps.

"There are three things you need to be a good swimmer; talent, a parent who is prepared to take you to lessons and most importantly the child has to want to do it," she added.

Mrs Tomlinson is putting Maddison forward for the Amateur Swimming Association's national awards for improver of the year.