BUNTINGFORD swimmer Georgia Makin is celebrating after helping Hatfield clinch victory in the national Speedo League Final. Georgia, 11, from Cottered, represented Hatfield in under-12 freestyle and medley relays at the annual final in Sheffield, on Sunda

BUNTINGFORD swimmer Georgia Makin is celebrating after helping Hatfield clinch victory in the national Speedo League Final.

Georgia, 11, from Cottered, represented Hatfield in under-12 freestyle and medley relays at the annual final in Sheffield, on Sunday.

The youngster has been swimming for Buntingford since she was eight and also for Hatfield - one of the top clubs in the south east - for a year.

It was the first time she had swum in a national league final, which featured many of the UK's most talented swimmers.

Last month, she gained top 10 rankings in the backstroke and individual medley at the Hertfordshire County Championship meeting in Borehamwood.

n Victoria Paxman and Tara Power starred as Buntingford swimmers warmed-up for their summer league campaign in impressive fashion on Saturday.

Twenty youngsters produced personal best times, with Victoria winning the girls' under-12 breaststroke and Tara the girls' under-12 freestyle, as Buntingford finished fourth in the George Edwards Memorial Gala at Haileybury College.

Team manager David Carr said the gala was ideal preparation for the Hertfordshire Peanuts Under-13 League meetings, which starts next month.

"They produced personal bests in just about every individual race," he said. "You cannot really ask for more."

Coaches believe that Buntingford are capable of achieving a top-six spot in Division Two of the Peanuts League after finishing eighth last year.