Portia Nicholas-Jago has been selected to represent Great Britain's swimming squad at the JCC Maccabi games in Florida next year.

The Hertsmere Flyers Swimming Club member will be one of the youngest in the international squad as she turns 13 just six weeks before the games begin in August.

Nicholas-Jago is in Year Eight at Yavneh College in Borehamwood and trains five times a week with her swimming club. She swims every day at The Venue and plays for the school's netball and basketball teams.

The talented swimmer, who took up the sport at the age of four, recently competed in Sheffield Ponds Forge where she gained personal best times in the 50m fly and 50m free.

Her focus is on the 400m freestyle event and Nicholas-Jago only needs to knock one second off her personal best to get her county time for 13 year olds next year.

The youngster, who was nominated for the Sports Council at her school last year, also plays for Mill Hill Netball Club and at St Albans Park on Sundays.

Nicholas-Jago will be trying to raise £2,000 towards the trip through fundraising events and hopes to attract sponsorship.