FOUR girls from South Lakeland's synchronised swimming club took on the big city teams of Lancashire and brought home bronze medals for their team routine.

Kirkby Turner (18), Kat Hatton (13) and Lucy Klijn and Alexi Ridley, both 11, swam their hearts out in an 'Ocean' themed musical routine performed in blue trimmed swimsuits with blue hats and waterproof make-up.

Their opposition came from city clubs including Salford, Preston and Blackburn, which have up to 40 swimmers from which to choose a display team.

Yet it was the tiny Kendal-based squad which caught the eye to take third place in the free team routine at the Lancashire Synchronised Swimming Championships, at Blackpool.

Judges were so impressed they suggested that Kendal should go a step further and enter the multi-regional championships next year.

It is the first time in 30 years that Cumbria has had swimmers talented enough to enter the Lancashire championships, which brought back memories for current coaches Merryll Hunter and Jane Leck who were members of that Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Club team back in the 1980s.

Synchronised swimming is an ideal sport for the many youngsters who enjoy the water but will never be in the top echelon of club racers.

Now Merryll and Jane have joined forces to revive the sport with Jane teaching at Windermere Manor (Thursday, 7pm to 7.30pm) and Merryll at Kendal Leisure Centre (Wednesday 5pm to 6pm).

Merryll said: “There was great support from parents, grandparents and friends at the championships.

“ Kat, our newest recruit, also did particularly well in the figures part of the competition.

“Lucy, our youngest member, is very determined and also entered the Free Solo section with a routine to music from the film Madagascar

“Alexi, who is also a competitive dancer wants to do a duet with Lucy year.

“Sadly Kirkby, who has also been assisting with teaching, is off to Carlisle University, but has promised to help when she can.”

If you want to get involved with the sport contact Merryll at merryllhunter@hotmail.co.uk or Jane at lets.swim@ymail.com.