A Bickley man with Down's Syndrome has won 11 gold medals at an international swimming competition in France - and now he's aiming to win gold in Mexico.

Billy Birchmore, 21, won eight individual medals at the Downs Syndrome International Swimming Organisation (DSISO) European Championships in Paris.

The London South East Colleges student went on to take part in team GB’s relay finals where he won a further three golds and three silvers to add to his haul.

Billy, who has been named a Top Male T21 Swimmer, said: “For now, it’s back to concentrating on my college work.

“I would like to become a swimming coach at a leisure centre one day and that’s what I need to focus on long-term.

“I’m looking forward to my next challenge in Mexico and training hard in the evenings and at weekends.

“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved so far and just want to keep winning. It gives me such a good feeling.”

The swimmer holds the 100m backstroke world record with a time of 1.15.70 and he practices six days a week.

Billy’s mum Jackie said: “We are very proud of Billy’s achievements in swimming.

“At birth, the prognosis was very negative and stated that he may never walk or talk.

“Over the past few years, Billy has gone from strength to strength and all of his hard work and dedication has paid off with him becoming the overall World Champion in Downs Syndrome swimming.”

Rhona Sapsford is the assistant principal for special educational needs and disabilities. She said: “Billy has become a super hero in the College.

“He has an amazing attitude to his sport and is very ambitious for his future career.

“He provides inspiration and encouragement to his fellow students and is a pleasure to teach. We will all be rooting for him next month."

The championships in Paris took place last month.