Don Leatherbarrow set a new European record, alongside several British records, winning six gold medals at the recent National Longcourse Championships at Plymouth Life Centre.

Don, who is 80, was a member of the 400 (4x100) Free Mixed Relay with a combined age of 280+. The team won the race in a combined time of five minutes and 23 seconds. This broke the Great British and European record by 0.05 seconds.

The team was made up of Don, Jayne Ball, Susan Hodge and Tony Cherrington, a world record holder for many years and former England water polo player.

Don won every race he entered and in his 100 metre Breast stroke he shaved 0.28 seconds off the previous record. In the 200m Freestyle he broke his own record, and in an astonishing result he knocked 30 seconds off the 100m Fly, completing the event in one minute 51.23.

The event took place in a 50m pool and attracted thousands of entrants. All Brtish, European and World Record winners were presented with their medals by the President of the ASA, Richard Whitehead.

Don was also thrilled that the ribbons on the British record and European record medal states this. He said it was an added touch to the event which was really well organised.

He told the Ross Gazette that the pool is a fantastic facility where Tom Daley trains. It is 25 metres wide so a lane can be separated to allow swimmers to warm up.

Dan also told the Ross Gazette how it was great to be able to see the younger swimmers and how their style has evolved since he started swimming.

Don’s results were as follows;

• 800m Free -– 14-48.89 – Gold.

100m Breast – 1m 53.38 – GBR and Gold.

• 50 Free – 35.77 – Gold.

• 50m Breast – 48.62 – Gold.

• 400 (4x100) Free mixed Relay with a combined age of 280+ 5m 23 seconds - GBR and European Gold.

• 200m Free – 3m 14.78 – GBR and Gold

• 100m Free – 1m 51.23 – GBR and Gold.