Stark comes away with honours

LILLY Stark won two gold medals and the Daniel Postill trophy at the City of Hull Special Olympics Swimming Gala held at Beverley Leisure Centre.

The gala, which saw teams attend from across the north of England as well as the Netherlands, is for adults and children with learning disabilities and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hull.

Nine-year-old Stark, who has downs syndrome and is also hearing impaired, won her first gold medal in the 25m freestyle where she held off a strong finish by the swimmer from Henshaw's Stacey Kimberley.

Stark, who trains at East Hull Swimming Baths with the City of Hull Special Olympics team, then won the 25m backstroke event having only taken up the stroke a few months ago.

Stark, who has been swimming since she was a baby, was also awarded the Daniel Postill Trophy – which is awarded to the swimmer who not only swims well but also trains hard and shows great enthusiasm.