A YOUNG girl has beaten all the odds to become the longest serving swimmer at a pool,

Mia Keane, 11, of Court Road, Barry, has been having swimming lessons at Cardiff International Pool every Sunday since it opened in May 2008 and has now reached level eight.

But she will no longer be taking part in lessons because she has got as far as she wants to go.

She suffers from an Auditory Processing Disorder which affects how her brain processes what she sees and hears.

She also has learning disabilities which means her IQ is just 52.

It took the family a long time to get an official diagnosis for her condition but when she was confirmed as having APD it was twice the normal reading.

She said: "Having a child with learning disabilities combined with APD can be very challenging because they do not see or hear the world like everyone else.

'Some of the smallest challenges can be difficult when she is functioning at the mental age of six years old.

'But she is hard working and has an amazing caring nature. Her coaches and teachers recognise her abilities and adapt their styles accordingly.

'As long as she is happy, I am happy."

Having previously attended Gladstone primary school and Jenner Park primary school, she started at St Cyres' special educational needs class in September.

Mia has been swimming at Cardiff International Pool since it opened in 2008 and has been having lessons there every Sunday for the past seven years.

Mia had one to one lessons because of her complex needs and formed great bonds with her coaches such as Mark Smith and Russell Kehely.

Both have coached her for three years and Mum Karen said they have been marvellous. She said: "Mark really brought Mia's confidence forward and Russell knew how to adapt his teaching style to complement her abilities."

This has lead Mia to Level eight in swimming but she has had to call time on her lessons because she feels the next step into competition would be too much for her.

Ms Keane said: "I truly believe that even if life throws some curveballs at you, you should never give up and follow your heart and achieve to the best of your abilities.

'Everyone loves Mia. She is so hands on and willing to try anything. If you look at her you don't realise anything is wrong with her. I am so proud of all she has achieved."

Mia loves to partake in lots of other activities as well such as golf, drumming, surfing, horse riding, quadbiking and even paragliding.

The plan now is to continue to defy the odds by succeeding in everything she does.