A Braintree firefighter has proved he is just as good in water as he is at using it to put out fires.

Firefighter Lee Addington, 21, of Chapel Hill, Braintree, gained two silver medals when he took part in the Fire Brigade National Swimming Championships in Preston.

Mr Addington won the medals for 100m breast stroke and the 100m individual medley. He said: "The competition was really hard this year, but I did my best and got two silver medals.

"Obviously, I would have liked to have got the gold, but I'm really pleased with how I did and everyone at the station is really happy for me."

It is the second time Mr Addington, who joined the fire service 18 months ago, has taken part in the competition.

In last year's championship, he won a gold and a silver medal.

A keen swimmer, he has also taken part in a number of other swimming contests for the fire service and next year is hoping to take on firefighters from all around the world by qualifying for the international competition.

Mr Addington said: "I've been training with my dad, but I'm going to have to train as much as I can if I want to get into the international championship.

"The competition for places is extremely high, but I'll do my best and am confident I can do it."

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