A strong squad of 28 swimmers went to Whitehaven to compete in this year's Griffin Gala where they produced a host of best and qualifying times together with a fair clutch of medals among their results.

The events are confined to nine, 10, and 11 yer olds and so give the County's youngsters a taste of top competition.

Kendal's Elliot Woodburn and Caitlin Deegan were among the pick of the performers. Woodburn reigned supreme amongst the boys taking the gold medal in every one of his five events – 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, 100m individual medley.

These wins then brought him the award for Top Boy in his Age Group and he proceeded to win the Skins competition.

Deegan’s efforts brought her great reward despite having to battle for every event with Workington’s Maddison Tuer. Settling for four Silver medals she produced marvellous PBs for her 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle.

Sophie Roberts, nine, and Emma Capstick, 10, both enjoyed a successful day. Four events each brought them medals together with PB times for every swim. Roberts produced an outstanding effort to snatch Silver at 50m fly and then went on to take Bronze in the 50m breaststroke. Capstick’s greatest success came from her 50m breaststroke where she took Silver and followed this up with a bronze in the 50m butterfly.