Pictures: Swimmers make a splash at Shrewsbury gala

Nearly 200 swimmers from across the country took part in the 12th gala organised by Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club.

There were classes for competitors of all ages – from 19-year-old Claire Beddow, who was the youngest taking part, to venerable 86-year-old Ted Hoy, who was the oldest.

The pair, both from Shrewsbury, were joined at the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in the town by swimmers from as far afield as Sheffield and Rochdale.

Awards were up for grabs for the winners, including a trophy for the winning visiting club.

Saturday's gala was officially opened at 9am by Shrewsbury's Mayor and Mayoress, Miles and Aurona Kenny, as well as the High Sheriff of Shropshire and Shrewsbury Masters Club member David Stacey. It was followed by a ceilidh and supper afterwards in Radbrook Community Centre.

Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club chairman Bernard Wills said he was delighted to see so many people turning out to support the event.

"We had 196 people taking part which was about 30 people up on last year. It's the best we have ever had which is brilliant," he said. "We had to close the event for entries because it was so popular, and the ceilidh and supper in the evening was also sold out.

"We had 39 teams from all over the country taking part, we have had a real good mix. The standard of swimming was superb. "The feedback we get from other teams is very good. They think it is a good, friendly gala. The officials like coming here too.

"Teams will often make a weekend of it, come down on the Friday and stay until Sunday. "They will stay in the town, use different hotels, go shopping, go for something to eat. An event like this is good for the town." Alison Wilson, Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club member, said: "I think I have been involved in every event apart from last year's when I was away.

"Why it is so successful is that it is a friendly event that is run to time.

"We get fairly good feedback and people seem to come back every year."

Councillor Kenny said: "It is a great event and I have enjoyed opening it.

"It is good to see so many people here, from local teams to those further away.

"I think people think it is well organised and they like the ambiance of the event," he added.

Spectator John Phillips, from Copthorne, said: "I love swimming and regularly come to these types of events.

"I am always amazed by the standard and it is great to see so many different teams from all over the country compete.

"It is also great to see a lot of the older competitors swimming in events with the younger ones."

Last year the home club's youngest swimmer, 18-year-old Tom Horswood, claimed the overall top swimmer in the 18 to 24 age group with a clean sweep of wins.

He secured victories in the 100 metres individual medley, backstroke and freestyle together with wins in the 50 metres butterfly and breaststroke to make sure of his award.

There were three wins for Mr Wills (65-69) in the 50 metres butterfly and 25 metres backstroke and breaststroke.

There was also a hat-trick of triumphs for Louise Mallett (35-39), who had success in the 50 metres breaststroke, 25 metres backstroke and freestyle.

This year's results are set to be published on the club's website and Facebook page in the next couple of days.

Anyone who may be interested in finding out more regarding Masters Swimming should visit the club website www.shrews burymasters.com or check out the club's Facebook page.