VETERAN Bolton swimmer Martin Hodge picked up an incredible eight medals at the British Masters in Aberdeen recently.

Now 63, Hodge has been swimming competitively for more than 50 years, taking part in age-group events, open editions and now masters tournaments.

He went to Haulgh Primary, Bury Road and Bolton County Grammar, Breightmet, and was a member of Bolton Swimming Club and the Mancunian Swim Squad.

And the Wanderers fan, who used to live on Wigan Road but now resides in Cyprus, shows no sign of letting up just yet.

He told The Bolton News: “I’ve competed and won medals at the masters events since 1990 at local, Scottish, Irish, British as well as international and world masters.

“I have also competed and won veterans triathlon events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

In Scotland, Hodge competed in 11 races over the three-day long event.

He picked up one gold medal, three silvers and four bronzes over the tournament but admits the competition was as tough as ever.

“The standard this year was higher than ever with several British, European and World records broken at the Masters.

“I was also pleased to be able to assist my club (Silver City Blues)in winning the overall British club championship, the Cupar Trophy.”

The British masters long course swimming championships have been held since 1987 in an international standard 50-metre pool and rotate between England, Wales and Scotland every year under strict FINA rules.

They are open to swimmers of all ages from 25 right up to in their 90s.