RYAN Steward collected four silver medals as Bicester Blue Fins members mixed it with the best in the country.

Steward led the way as the eight-strong team brought seven medals home from the Swim England Masters National Championships in Sheffield.

The Bicester swimmer was a model of consistency as he finished second in the 100m breaststroke and 50, 100 and 200m freestyle events in the 30-34 age group.

Mike Procter was the next best member, bagging bronze in the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly for the 25-29 age group.

The team’s haul was completed by David Jardine, racing in the 40-44 age group, who claimed bronze in the 100m individual medley.

Spokesperson and squad member Hannah Mansfield said: “The competition was tough this year and standards are rising fast.

“This is an event where British, European and world records are broken.

“Therefore, to have eight team members racing at this level is a huge achievement particularly as we took home seven medals.”

The club’s juniors also took to the water at the City of Bristol L3 Short Course Meet.

Grace Bradney, 14, starred as she won five medals including three golds.

Katy Filsell, also 14, 16-year-old Rachel Lawrence and Maddie Sollis, 11, were just behind with four pieces of silverware each.

Eleanor Iles, 11, and Jacob Pillinger, 13, came home with three medals apiece.