A SQUAD of 32 swimmers represented Chard Swimming Club in the final round of the Western Division National Swimming League held at Weston-super-Mare, writes Hannah Pullinger.

Chard were competing with the top eight clubs in the division final, and as such were against stiff opposition.

They were not intimidated however and maintained a strong position throughout the gala to secure third place overall and promotion to Division Two next season.

Although down on a few swimmers in this round, Chard still achieved 26 top three positions in the 50 events.

Individual first places went to Tessa Down, 15, in the Open Girls 100m Breaststroke, and Henry Taswell, 11, in the Under-11 50m backstroke.

The Relay Teams continued to show the determined swimming seen in earlier rounds, with first places going to the Girls Under-13 Freestyle and Medley teams.

Full Team: Girls: Abi Dare, Tessa Down, Melissa Hanson, Lauren Harrison, Susan Ross, Elisha Hawkins, Hope Horsfield, Abi Bonning, Flo Swan, Xanthe Dyer, Daisy Brett, Jess Patch, and Jess Fowler.

Boys: Luke van den Barselaar, Jake Hallam, Dan Andrews, Ben Fowler, Joe Spurway, Oli Bilbie, Jamie Pullinger, Jamie Lillington, Ashley Lillington, Paul Harrison, Lewis Pearson, Iain Ross, Ben Greenslade, Henry Taswell, Leo Kindred, Leo Bonning, and Simon Davis.

A club spokesman said: “Congratulations go to all the swimmers for another great performance, and a big thank you to all the club coaches, officials, team managers, and time-keepers who all helped the club host the event and make it a success.”

If you want to find out more about Chard Swimming Club or are interested in joining they have sessions for age five and six upwards at pools in Chard, Axminster, Crewkerne and long course training at Millfield.