A determined 13-year-old schoolgirl from Hornchurch has her sights set on the London Paralympics after smashing a British swimming record last month

Hall Mead School student Amy Marren beat the 200 metres backstroke record by a whopping 15 seconds at the Romford Town Gala on Saturday October 15.

The talented swimmer, who was born without a right hand, is now hoping for a place on the London 2012 team after her incredible efforts.

Amy, from Osborne Road, has already been named by the British Swimming Association as one of 10 young potential medallists at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The Romford Town Swimming Club member usually trains 10 times a week, covering 50,000 metres.

Proud dad Andrew said Amy started swimming at just four-years-old in an effort to help build up the strength in her arm.

He added: “At the moment she’s swimming against some of the best girls in the country, girls who are 29 or 30 years old.

“She’s so chuffed about breaking the record. It was a really really big time difference.

“They haven’t ruled 2012 out either.”

Amy has also been sponsored by UIA Insurance and Thompsons Solicitors in Chelmsford, which both pay for specialist equipment and transport expenses.