A NUMBER of Ulverston swimmers assembled at Manchester aquatics centre, having qualified for the North West region's championships, where they found themselves competing against some of the countries top swimmers.

A remarkable performance from 16-year-old Indya Sharp brought her some pleasing results and medals, as well as a number of personal best times.

She got off to a positive start with a place in the 50 breaststroke final following a super swim in the heats with a 37.06. In her final she gave her usual gutsy display and powered her way to a well-earned fifth place in a new pb time of 36.06.

Still in sprinting mode she took on the 50 backstroke and in the heats made a supreme effort snatching third among six swimmers, all on 33 seconds to get into the final.

Now full of confidence she produced an immaculate start and immediately matched the pace of Southport’s Lily Wallwork and Salford’s Harriet Finn. Shoulder to shoulder they charged down the pool and in a storming blanket finish all three hit the pads in 32 seconds with Sharp settling for a brilliant silver and a pb behind Wallwork.

Another medal-winning display came from her 100 breaststroke. There was another fascinating clash of the titans in the final as over the first 50 there was little to divide the top four contenders, with Sharp well in the mix. Out of transition the pace increased as they made their bid for success and in the charge for the finish Sharp hung on to grab the bronze medal with another pb of 1:18.10 seconds

Sharp completed her programme with seventh places in the 16-year-old category at 200 breaststroke and 50 butterfly and a tenth place in the 50 freestyle sprint.

Nicola Capstick also showed great form, especially in her favourite event the 50 backstroke. Now in the 17 years and over category she had her work cut out to reach the final.

This was classic sprinting at its best with 12 swimmers all setting times within two seconds of each other.

The pace was furious, but Capstick stayed composed and with a time of 31.81 secured a place in the final.

The final was just as hectic with again just two seconds defining all eight girls and although a little off the pace this time Capstick still held on to her sixth position.

Two other superb performances led to an eighth place in the 100 backstroke and a tenth place in the 200 backstroke.

Evie McMullen, a freestyle specialist, drew on all her experience and skill to reach finals and eighth-place finishes in both the 50 sprint and 100 middle distance.