A SWIMMER with down syndrome has struck gold twice and won six medals in the space of a month.

Hannah Payton, of Gloucester Street, Atherton, finished first in the 50m freestyle, won silver in the 25m freestyle and collected bronze in the 25m butterfly at the National Partnership Swimming Competition in Swansea.

Three weeks later at the North West Regional Special Olympics Gala in Blackpool, the 21-year-old won gold in the 50m freestyle again, silver in the 25m backstroke and bronze in the 25m butterfly once more.

Her recent awards come three years after Hannah represented Great Britain at European level in France and won a silver in freestyle and bronze in a backstroke event.

Hannah’s mum Jutta, 52, said: “I am very proud of Hannah, she is inspirational and does not let her disability hold her back.

"She has a motto which is ‘I might not be able to drive a car but I can ride a horse’ which means she always finds a way to get over something she struggles with.

"She is also very proud and happy of her awards.”

Hannah got involved in swimming after an open event at Leigh Leisure Centre in 2013 where coaches were looking for competitors with special needs.

Jutta added: “The camaraderie in the team is really uplifting as well. Hannah has been touring all over Britain and beyond with them which is great for her independence as well.

"All the athletes are brilliant- they all want to win but they are friendly towards each other.

"This shows true sportsmanship.”

Hannah also has sporting prowess out of the pool and has recently signed up for the North West Special Olympics badminton team.

Hannah, who volunteers as an usher at The Lowry theatre in Salford Quays, has aspirations to work in the catering industry.

She has also appeared as an extra in TV soap programme Hollyoaks.

The next event that Hannah is taking part at will be the Special Olympics Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Swimming Competition in November.