LEDBURY & District Amateur Swimming Club concluded their competitive year with the longest race, the 1500m Club Championship, which attracted 55 swimmers aged from eight to 16 years for this 60 length race.

Setting a new club record in the senior girls event, Sarah Bethell led from the start steadily building up enough lead to finish comfortably in 22.14.12. In second place was Laura West and third Chloe Watson with all three girls achieving their County qualifying time.

Hywel Pothecary was an outstanding winner in the senior boys race in a time of 18.53.36 also a County qualifying time. Mark Hinton was second and Thomas James third. Junior Arron Almond was very determined not just to win his race but to gain another record having broken the previous three records in the distance events. He went out strongly and stayed focused throughout finishing in 23.23.43, almost a minute faster than the record set in 2000. Thomas Stokes and Patrick Blake were neck and neck for the entire race making for a very exciting finish. A miscalculation of lengths by Patrick gave Thomas the opportunity to pull away over the final 50m taking the silver medal with Patrick collecting the bronze.

The junior girls competition was won by Charlie Scott Wilson in a time of 24.55.62 narrowly missing the record by four seconds. Heather Farmer was second and Annabelle Wilce third.

Head coach Viv Jones said: "The swimmers have really performed well, with two new records tonight we finish the year with an amazing total of 108 new records which must be a record in itself.

"I was very impressed with the younger swimmers who competed many of them taking about 40 minutes to complete the swim, which demonstrates their endurance and determination. 2002 has certainly proved to be very successful for us.

"We are now looking ahead to our first fixture on January 11, in the Wyvern League. The league is still seeking a sponsor, a minimum of £200 is being sought which would help finance the five galas. If anyone would like to offer help in exchange for some local publicity we would be grateful if they would ring our club chairman, Roger Jones on (01531) 660692."