A RISING star who has dreams of competing in the Paralympics has came away with a haul of medals from the Blind Sports National Youth Gala.

Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School pupil James Galvin came away with a gold and three silver medals in the championship event recently.

He took gold in the men's 100 metre relay and individual silvers in the 25 metres freestyle and backstroke along with the 50 metres backstroke.

Galvin had previously been crowned National Champion in the pool for his age group.

"I was a bit disappointed with the medal haul as it would have been nice to get first," he said.

"But to get the medals gives me a sense of achievement as a disabled person which feels amazing. Putting the medals around your neck shows that I'm not just lazy.

"I like to promote that I'm blind but still going out there and doing what I enjoy."

Galvin, who trains at Leominster Leisure Centre, has been swimming competitively for around three years since registering his interest with British Blind Sport.

"I've just loved being in the water since I was young," he added.

"I signed up to British Blind Sport, went to a swimming gala and came out champion. I have also played for the Arsenal blind football squad in London. But they train every Monday which was quite difficult to get to that so I'm just focusing on swimming now.

"Next I just need to try and get the Paralympics qualification time."

Last week Galvin's achievements were acknowledged by Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School when he was presented with a special school tie.