LEDBURY and District Swimming Club were celebrating reaching a total of 80 new club records this year following great performances in the longest annual event, the 1500m freestyle, 60 lengths of the pool.

The swim attracted a good entry of 43 competitors and praise must go to the youngest swimmers, aged nine, all of whom showed superb race skills with good technique and sound tumble turns throughout resulting in excellent personal best times for: Charlie Green, George Parsons, Sam Parsons, Joe Bloxsome, David Middleton, Patty Holloway, Olivia Hunt, Emma Fitzpatrick, Alice Parsons and Rose Parsons.

The junior championships for swimmers aged 11 and under were as exciting as anticipated. Having won the 800m championships last week both Heather Farmer and Thomas Stokes knew they had to be confident they had done all the necessary aerobic training to keep their 100m pace steady throughout the race. Thomas opted for the same tactics which were successful on the shorter event, a blistering first 100m at 1.17 followed by steady 1.28's. As he hoped no-one could keep with him and once he had gained a comfortable six metre lead he was happy to concentrate on his own race, gradually extending his lead, and finishing in 21.49.60 a new record by over a minute and a half.

Patrick Blake finished in second place, taking over two minutes off his time, just over the 22 minute mark. James Middleton was the bronze medal winner, disappointed with his 800m performance he was determined to keep his pace on target which he managed up to the final 200m when his goggles dislodged after a turn and caused him to lose some precious seconds.

Heather worked hard and although unable to keep up with the boys, she kept a steady pace much to the frustration of Hannah Bloxsome who performed better turns.

Both girls swam tremendous personal best times with Heather taking over a minute off the record with a finishing time of 23.35.02.

Swimming in a different heat, Katie Batley and Jessica Hunt battled every length to take the bronze medal. With the lead changing frequently it was Katie who showed superior fitness and managed a sprint finish to give her a four second advantage.

Swimming this event for the first time in the juniors were, Jenni Simpson, Christopher Tedds, Emily Docherty, Anna Bird, Lily Lowe and Olivia Powell who all swam extremely well, finishing strongly with the exception of Anna who unfortunately was forced to retire with a nosebleed. Liam Almond, Amy Jones, George Bennion, Kate, Rosie and Iain Docherty all recorded impressive personal best times in the junior section.

Senior honours went to Hywel Pothecary in 19.10.52 and Chloe Watson, with the third new record of 21.16.45, an improvement from last year of over one and a half minutes. Thomas James and Lucy Bennion were the runners up, both with new best times and Charlie Scott Wilson and Mark Hinton took the bronze medals again with new personal best times.

Performances worthy of note came from, Charlotte Wilce, Arron Almond, Amy Tyler, Annabelle Wilce, Ruari Smith Cooper, George Cusworth and Richard Jones.