TWO Hereford swimmers have earned international selection to represent Wales next month.

Jonathan Andrews and Philippa Davies have seen their success in the Welsh championships rewarded with invitations to join the nine-strong Wales squad heading for Florida in February to take on the top American squad in their pre-Olympic trials.

"I am swimming well at the moment and looking forward to competing against the best in America," said Andrews. "I am very pleased to have been selected to swim for Wales and hope I can produce some good times to maintain my place in the Welsh squad.

"My long-term objective is to travel with the team to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia in 2006."

Andrews, who has recently succeeded World butterfly short course champion and house-mate James Hickman as captain of the City of Leeds club, secured his call-up with three successes at the Welsh Championships.

He achieved a personal best time to take the 400m freestyle event, swimming a strong second 200m to take the title after trailing at the halfway mark.

He also won in his other preferred event, the 1500m freestyle, as well as coming out on top in the 200m freestyle in a closely fought race.

Andrews is hoping for more glory later in the year when he leads his team-mates at Leeds in the Speedo League finals.

Davies claimed two titles at the Welsh championships, winning the 800m freestyle in a season's best time and then going on to a comfortable victory in the 400m freestyle.