Britain's Amateur Swimming Association is planning to send young swimmers to live and train in Australia.

The decision has been taken because a reduction in Lottery funding means all sports will receive 15% less money.

And the ASA says it is cheaper to develop young talent abroad as pool hire is so expensive in Britain.

A number of talented youngsters are due to fly out to Australia early next year and will stay there for up to two years.

ASA chief executive David Sparkes told the Sunday Telegraph: "We were looking to send out six youngsters, but we will see if we can increase that number.

"So much of the budget goes into pool hire that it would be better to send kids to Australia, where the pools are free."

Sparkes added that the Western Australian government are willing to provide assistance.

He also claimed that he has been guaranteed unlimited access, free of charge, to a pool in Perth.