HEREFORDSHIRE'S annual primary schools swimming gala looks set for another successful year.

The gala, which could now be one of the largest of its kind in the country, was attended last year by around 310 pupils from 23 of the county’s schools and for the past two years has been sponsored by Hereford Round Table.

Last year Hereford Cathedral School took the title by the narrowest of margins - despite drawing five all in gold medals with second-placed Staunton-on-Wye, their haul of 11 silver medals proved decisive.

Dark horses Staunton got some revenge by beating Cathedral into second place by a clear 10s in the girls' 4 x 25m freestyle relay.

St Paul's took overall third place in the gala with three golds, three silvers and three bronzes.

Molly Schofield of Much Marcle broke a freestyle record for the second year running with a time of 16.16s in the 25m freestyle (year 4).

The girls from Lugwardine came within less than half a second of Cathedral school’s 2010 record in the 4 x 25m freestyle relay.

There were also trophies for small schools with last year’s winners being Much Marcle followed closely by Staunton and Lugwardine.

This year’s gala, which takes place on March 15 and is organised by the City of Hereford Swimming Club, already has 21 schools from across the county expressing interest.