Abby Kane was given a rousing send-off from her classmates on her final day before turning her focus on the Rio Paralympics.

The 12 year old swimmer is currently in S2 and will be Team GB’s youngest competitor when she competes at the Games in Rio next month.

Abby who suffers from Stargardt disease - a condition that leads to progressive vision deterioration – qualified for the Games by smashing the British record in the 100m backstroke.

Abby has been swimming since she was seven and is part of North Ayrshire’s Council’s Nurturing Programme – a scheme that complements the existing training programmes of the area’s rising stars to help them achieve their full sporting potential.

Just before she joined up with her fellow GB athletes, she was given a special farewell at an assembly at Largs Academy. Abby said: “It was lovely to say bye to everybody and it’s really nice that the school is behind me. Having that support is really great. I’ve been working hard both at school and training so it will be nice to focus on my swimming. I’ve not got big expectations – I’m just going there to enjoy the experience.”

Largs Academy head teacher Heather Burns said: "Good luck Abby. Whatever happens in Rio, you will be a hero when you return to school!"

Abby will be joined in Brazil by her two swimming coaches including Sharon McIntyre of West Kilbride. Sharon and Abby head to Rio for ten days on Sunday 7 September, and has had a busy schedule leading up to the great occasion, including swims in Liverpool, Manchester and Berlin.

She said: "I’m excited and nervous as Rio approaches but I’m just going to do my best. It’s all part of the experience.”