The Collingwood School and Media Arts College pupil, 11, won the U16 front crawl over 18m at the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) Swimming Gala at the Neptune Centre in Middlesbrough.

He was then asked to take part in the U25 front crawl race over 25m and once again he came in first place.

Ryan, who started swimming when he was eight, said: "I like swimming lots and lots and I'm very happy that I won the races."

He was praised by his coach Scott Aitkin, who taught him initially at Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington then under the 121 Making Waves swimming coaching business he set up with former Concordia colleague Iain Katz, which is based at Collingwood.

Scott said: "This was his first competition and I didn't know what to expect but he did really well and I'm over the moon for him because he's a good lad to work with."

Ryan's mother, Alison Hall, said: "I'm so pleased that he won twice at the gala and I'm very grateful to Scott for giving him the opportunity as he is an excellent coach and manages Ryan's disability very well."

At school he also enjoys playing football in PE and dancing.

Cynthia Hetherington, Collingwood's Head Teacher, said: "We are very proud of Ryan and congratulate him for his fantastic achievements."

His times were so quick that he is being entered for a national DSA swimming event in Reading in September.