Girl, 13, is youngest GB Paralympic swimmer

Iona Winnifrith is the youngest member of the Paralympic swim team

A 13-year-old-girl has become one of the youngest competitors to be selected for the Paralympics this summer.

Iona Winnifrith, from Tonbridge, Kent, will represent Britain in the 100m breaststroke in Paris at the end of August.

The teenager swims in the S7 classification for physical impairment.

She said "I'm really excited and the last few months have been a total whirlwind."

Iona is the youngest member of the Paralympic swim team, according to Tonbridge Swimming Club.

She is currently ranked world number one in her event.

She said: "It really is a dream come true. I'm so happy. Being such a young member of the squad is really exciting.

"I'm hoping to perhaps try and grab a medal. Winning would mean everything to me."

'Quicker than expected'

Gillian Winnifrith, Iona's mother, said: "We are very proud. We never expected this.

"She works very hard and deserves every success that comes her way."

Iona said she will continue to train alongside her teammates at Tonbridge Swimming Club.

Michael Ellis, Iona's coach, said: "This really isn't something that happens all the time.

"I've been working with her for a year and this has come around much quicker than expected."