SWIMMING: STUDENT swimmers took to the water in the town's annual Middle Schools Swimming Gala.

Youngsters from across the town entered a variety of events including freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and medley relays, as well as a non-swimmer race to encourage pupils of all abilities to take part.

The event, held last Tuesday, was organised by Redditch Council's Sports Development Unit with the Redditch Schools Sports Partnership and Redditch Swimming club.

The Winning Schools Award was presented to Ridgeway Middle School. And the Fair Play Award, named after the late John Neale of Redditch Swimming Club, went to Church Hill Middle, for displaying fair and good-natured competitive spirit and strong vocal support for their team.

Sports development officer Vicci Webley said: "It was great to see so many young people enjoying and taking part in swimming. It was a fantastic event and a chance to bring swimmers of all abilities together. Here's to a bigger and even better gala next year!"