YOUNG Wirral swimmer Freya Anderson has won her first senior British title with an impressive victory in the 100m Freestyle in the British Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

The 16-year-old from Upton came through an enthralling battle to land gold in a personal best of 54.35 seconds, beating Bath University’s defending champion Siobhan-Marie O'Connor by 0.02 seconds back on day four of the competition.

The time beat Fran Halsall's British Age record of 54.80 set 10 years ago for the second time that day – with Freya already having beaten it in the morning's heat with a time of 54.40.

The time puts her at the top of the World Rankings for 16 year olds – where she is also placed first in the 50 fly and 50 freestyle.

Featuring the UKs top athletes acts as the trials for the World Championships to be held in Budapest this Summer.

Freya said: "It feels crazy – I didn't expect to be British champion, especially swimming in that field.

"I had my head down and wasn’t focusing on anyone else, only to get to the wall first.

"It was a rough start to the season being injured so that time is really good for me.

"I'm excited to see what I can do once I get back into full training".

Freya, who won the 100m Free title at last year's European Junior Championship, showed maturity beyond her years to clinch gold in the final.

A member of Ellesmere College Titans, her career began at Hoylake Swimming Club. She moved to Wirral Metro at 10 years old.

She took up a swimming scholarship at Shropshire's Ellesmere College where she lives as a weekly boarder allowing her to combine her swim training with her up-coming GCSEs.