MARGERY HINTON, one of Tyldesley's legendary sporting figures, has died. She was 80.

World record swimmer and three-times an Olympian, she was in 1981 nominated for the Gold Medal by the French Ministry of Sport.

Ironically, she never received her award - because of a change of government.

Margery, who lived in King William Street until three years ago, died in North Manchester General Hospital after a long illness.

She was one of three sisters - Tessie was the eldest, Lucy the youngest - all three being Northern Counties swimming champions.

But Margery made the biggest splash.

Her world records came in the 200-yard breaststroke at Lodge Lane Baths, Liverpool, on September 25 1929 and the 200-metre breaststroke at Cheetham Hill Baths, Manchester, on July 20 1931.

She was only 12 when chosen to swim at the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928. She was 13 when she swam - still a British record.

Margery also swam at Los Angeles in 1932 and Berlin four years later.

She also took part in the Empire Games of 1930 (Ontario), 1934 (London) and 1938 (Sydney) and the European Games of 1931 (Paris), 1934 (Magdeburg) and 1938 (London).

She was ASA breaststroke champion in 1929, 1932, 1933 and 1934 and also represented England at freestyle.

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