Rebecca secured her victory in the girls' 16/17yrs 50m freestyle in a super quick time of 26.36 seconds  - ahead of Plymouth's Achieng Ajulu-Bushell's 26.49 seconds.

Rebecca from St Andrews, Bristol was delighted with the result. "I'm really happy," she said. "I've never made a national final before, so to win was extra special.

"I knew I was next to Ajulu-Bushell - an amazing athlete, and I was pretty scared of her, but I just had to believe I was going to win."

As national champion Rebecca brings the 'Ray Clash' trophy back home to Bristol. Ray Clash was an iconic swimming figure in Bristol during the 1970s and 80s and coached at a national level as well as accompanying the British Olympic swimming team to Moscow in 1980.

Jez Birds, coach for the City of Bristol swimming squad, added: "This is a great success for Rebecca and the Bristol squad. The squad train incredibly hard throughout the year to prepare for these highly competitive games. I'm sure Rebecca's win will inspire other swimmers in the city and this achievement could well be a stepping stone for her onto the international circuit - and perhaps even the 2012 London Olympic Games."

Rebecca was one of six swimmers from the city council squad to qualify to compete in the 2010 nationals. Other members of the squad include: Marc Roost, Finn Taylor, Luke Stevens, Tom Shortman and Abi Bowring. The squad's achievements are thanks to the hard work and support of club coach, Jez Birds.