Charlton House - the preparatory department of Southampton's St Mary's College - have won a national title.

They fought off fierce competition to achieve overall first in the national schools swimming competition held at Ponds Forge, the National Swimming Centre in Sheffield.

The school from Bitterne also came third in the freestyle relay and achieved the same result in the mixed relay, giving them the highest aggregate for the two competitions (small schools division).

These times shattered the school's previous 'team best' times by over three seconds.

The Hampshire region had a strong representation with St Swithins' Winchester coming first in the freestyle relay, and Locks Heath Primary School and Ridgemount School, Bishop's Waltham, also delivering excellent performances.

Charlton House was represented by (pictured left), Hannah Musker, Elyssa Quinton, Charlie White and Jack Vivian, with Helen Thompson as substitute.