FIVE swimmers from the region have been included in the 2020-21 Swim England para-swimming talent squad.

Mount Kelly’s Alexander Hobbs and Sebastian Williams are joined by Devonport Royals’ Abigail Daly and Xander Harris and Plymouth Leander’s Cameron Vearncombe.

They are part of 58 youngsters from 49 clubs across the country have been chosen to take part in the programme.

Martin Lees, Swim England Para-swimming manager, said: “Due to the pandemic, it means we are not able to bring athletes together for talent development work.

“However we feel that we have a first-class programme in place that will put athletes in the best position possible for when we return to competitive swimming.

“We are looking forward to working with all the programme athletes and their home coaches to fulfil their potential.”

Lees said that training this year would specifically focus on bespoke land work – and it was hoped talent pool activity would return in 2021.

“We have created a programme of learning based on the pillars of athlete development online during September and December,” said Lees.

“Some of these opportunities will provide bespoke land work that will focus on developing swimmers physical literacy, creating more efficient and effective movement patterns in the water.

“We also have psychology and nutrition workshops planned where the athletes will be able to explore these subjects and see how it will help them in training and to perform when it matters.”