Sam Hynd and Charlotte Henshaw are both products of the Mansfield District Council Swimming Development programme, under the stewardship of Council Swim Coach Glenn Smith.

Hynd has vowed to continue his record-breaking form when he makes his Paralympic World Cup debut in Manchester this week.

The 16-year-old smashed Chinese rival Wang Xiaofu's 400m freestyle record by nearly two seconds at the British Championships in April before lowering that record with a swim of 4.31.62 minutes at the Paralympic trials later last month.

That is just the tip of the iceberg for the Ashfield School pupil after a year that has also seen him set a new European 200m individual medley record as well as 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle British bests.

And the Nova Centurion swimmer, who will compete in the 400m freestyle in Manchester, insists his new relaxed approach has been the catalyst to his success in 2008.

More than 400 athletes from 45 countries will compete across four sports; athletics, track cycling, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

"Breaking the world record was a huge boost to my confidence but it did come as a surprise," said Hynd – who is studying A-Level PE at Ashfield.

"I hadn't tapered my training down – everything just clicked and I knew I was going close when I saw my coach (Glenn Smith) in the crowd urging me on.

"It was an incredible feeling and it sets me up nicely for the rest of the year and my plans for Beijing.

"I'm really enjoying not doing as much studying and concentrating on the training and that's been reflected in my performances.

"I'm really looking forward to Manchester – I've been for the last couple of years as a spectator and it will be great to experience the atmosphere as a competitor."

Hynd is one of 36 swimmers heading to Beijing in September including Athens heroes David Roberts, Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis.

And the Kirkby teenager – who is currently top of the world 400m freestyle rankings – admitted he is preparing to send a warning shot out to his Paralympic rivals in Manchester.

"The Paralympic World Cup will be a little taster for Beijing – the pressure will be on but that's what I want and hopefully I can produce the goods," he added.

"Wang Xiaofu will have such a huge home support and we are going to have to get used to it.

"He's an unbelievably good swimmer but I'm sure I can beat him and try to silence that crowd.

"He's gone on record as saying he's targeting gold in every event but I'm hoping to deny him that."

The Paralympic World Cup will take place in Manchester from 7th to 11th May 2008. Tickets are available on www.paralympicworldcup.com or by phone on 0871 230 5595. TEXT WORLDCUP2 to 84880 FOR MORE INFORMATION