Ashley makes a splash at nationals

Teenage diving sensation Ashley Franklin from Letchworth Garden City made a real splash at the nationals.

The Beaumont Diving Academy member (shown right) starred at the Scottish Open National Diving Championships in Edinburgh before Christmas.

Competing at the end of the season in a patriotic atmosphere, he was up against quality athletes from four of the UK's full-time professional diving programmes.

Franklin won gold in the men's open three metre springboard, silver in the men's open one metre springboard, and silver in the men's open highboard.

Two other members of the Beaumont Diving Academy were also successful.

Philippa Ninnes won a silver medal in the women's open one metre springboard and David Jenkins won a bronze medal in the men's open three metre springboard competition.

The trio are all part of the Elite Athlete Support Programme which is run by the Herts Sports Partnership, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the University of Hertfordshire.

The programme provides the athletes with a package of support services worth £800 each free of charge.

This includes one-to-one strength and conditioning training sessions, nutritional advice, physiotherapy, lifestyle management advice and free membership to the Herts Sports Village.

This programme aims to help future Olympic stars reach their full potential.

Olympic diving coach Derek Beaumont from Letchworth GC said: "This was an impressive performance by my divers who between them gained one gold, four silver, a bronze and two fourth place finishes.

"These results vindicate the value we place on the assistance received by all the staff attached to the Elite Athletes Support Programme."

More details about the athletes and developments on the Elite Athlete Support Programme at www.sportinherts.org.uk