Norfolk swimming star Jessica-Jane Applegate has assured fans she is safe and well, after having to cancel plans to fly to Mexico due to the devastating earthquake which has hit the South American country.

Applegate, as well as UEA City of Norwich Swimming Club team-mate Jordan Catchpole, were due to fly out to the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) World Para-Swimming Championships later this week.

However, the IPC have postponed the Mexico City event due to the 7.1 magnitude earthquake which has killed more than 200 people and brought chaos to the area.

Posting on her Facebook page, Applegate said: “I’ve woken up to some lovely messages, thank you for your concern. I am completely safe and I’m not due to leave for Mexico City until Friday.

“There will be a statement released about the team going forward in time but for now I do know whatever happens the IPC, World Para-Swimming, ParalympicsGB and British Swimming will not put us in danger & whatever they decide will be the best for all the athletes.

“We are the lucky ones who were not there. My thoughts are with those in Mexico.”

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The 21-year-old, from Burgh Castle, near Great Yarmouth, won gold in the women’s S14 200m freestyle at the London 2012 Paralympics and was subsequently made an MBE. She has previously won two gold and three silver medals at the World Championships.

Catchpole, 17, is from Beccles and is hoping to represent Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.