CITY of Hereford Swimming Club have started the year strongly with 40 swimmers taking part at the Worcester County Swimming Association County Swimming Championships.

Hereford got off to a great start in Redditch, taking gold, silver and bronze in the men's open 1500m freestyle.

Pat Meggitt retained the County Championship title in the open event for the 11th consecutive year.

The full programme of events then unfolded over two weekends, with Hereford contesting nearly all events.

The club claimed 29 gold, 30 silver and 22 bronze medals in total.

The junior members provided stiff competition for their rivals from across the county, with notable swims.

Josh Gough won the 12-year-old 100m fly and individual medley events, while his younger brother Nathan picked up gold in the 10/11 year-old 100m breaststroke. Another young swimmer who performed well was Freya Phelps, who walked away with silver in both the 10/11 year old 50m and 100m backstroke disciplines.