A GIRL born with a permanent weakness of the nerves in her arm has picked up her one mile swimming badge -- and is still only five years old.

Charlotte Dunn, of Whitland Avenue, Heaton, set herself the personal goal after a school pal managed the 64 lengths.

And her family is now very proud of her achievement as it was thought Charlotte would never be able to swim because of her condition, Erb's palsy.

When she was born, the nerves in her left arm were stretched because of a difficult delivery, giving her limited use of the limb.

But now she enjoys swimming, as it helps with the physiotherapy she has to have five times a day, and she also loves going along to her ballet lessons.

The Beech House Preparatory School pupil finished the swim in just over two hours at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Chorley Street.

Mum Julia said: "She wanted to have a go and asked her swimming teacher if she could try. She just got in and swam the lengths.

"We were all so happy for her because she is still only young and I think she was really pleased with herself."