LEDBURY & District ASC swimmers faced the rather daunting race of 60 lengths to conclude their long distance championships for this year, with the 1,500m freestyle.

Fastest in the water was Jamie Dunn who had to go out hard from the start as he had his sights set on beating the 19.33.0 senior men's record set in 1995.

This he accomplished in fine style to finish in 18.35.44. Hot on his heels, Hywel Pothecary was second in a fantastic pb of 19.04.80. In bronze medal position was Ian James.

This is a new event for the girls this year as previously they only swam 800m races. All of them tackled it well with Sarah Bethell and Laura West battling it out for the new trophy. Sarah showed great determination and fitness in the second half of the race finishing 20 seconds ahead in a time of 22.00.95, Philly Robinson, recovering from an appendix operation, was very brave to swim this distance and was rewarded with the bronze medal.

The Junior (11/u) events were won by William Spencer, 26.01.99 and Lucy Bennion 24.55.20. Arron Almond and Chloe Watson were silver medallists with Richard Chandler and Charlotte Wilce taking the bronze positions.

Lucy Stokes, who was seven years old in September, was the youngest competitor finishing 13th in the junior girls with Paige Roberts, also only seven, finishing in 11th place in just over 32 minutes.

Chairman of LADASC Roger Jones, who presented the trophies, said: "This has been a spectacular finish to all our club events for 2001. In line with ASA recommendations we have altered our championship structure, creating more events and I would like to thank all the individuals and businesses in and around Ledbury and Malvern for their support in donating an array of magnificent trophies."

Due to the closure of Ledbury Pool there will be no swimming club sessions on Thursday, December 6, Friday, December 7 and Monday, December 10.

There will however be training at Malvern Boys College on Wednesday, December 5.