Swimmer Nick Boylan is ready to make a big splash at the 2012 Paralympic Games – now that he’s been allowed to compete.

The 25-year-old, from Hillbrow Road, Ashford, is delighted at the news the International Paralympic Committee will allow athletes with a learning disability to participate in the event.

His many successes include being selected to represent Britain at this year’s IPC European Swimming Championships in Iceland.

Nick (pictured), who trains with the City of Canterbury Swimming Club, said: "I specialise in the 100 metres breaststroke and this is fantastic news for me.

"It will mean me doing a lot of training both in the water and in the gym putting in over 20 hours a week.

"A lot of hard work lies ahead for me but it is going to be worth it."

Mark Goldring, chief executive of the mental health charity Mencap, said: "Everyone at Mencap is delighted that after years of campaigning, athletes with a learning disability will no longer be excluded from London 2012."