ULVERSTON Otters youngsters got their chance to shine at Whitehaven where Copeland Swimming Club staged a gala for nine, ten and eleven-year-olds.

With a 19 strong squad competing, it proved to be a golden opportunity for most of them to add their first experience of an external gala to their career.

Star of the squad was Indya Sharp who had a highly successful day winning four gold medals and one silver altogether.

Eleven-year-old Starr Huntington then got in on the act with some fine swims to pick up bronze medals in the 50m backstroke and the 50m butterfly.

Brodie Scales, 9, gained valuable experience in his races, picking up three medals in the process - including two silvers.

Another up and coming swimmer was nine-year-old Nathan Ritchie who produced an immaculate swim in the 50m backstroke, staying amongst the leaders over the first 25, then upping his stroke rate to drive to the finish for a silver medal.

The other medal winner was another nine-year-old, Amelia Mardel, who scooped bronze in the individual medley.