A group of swimming starlets from Ely Barracudas Swimming Club bagged qualifying times for a regional competition last weekend.

Four swimmers – George Sporle (15), Iona Trainer (13), George Goodfellow (12) and Ciara Taylor (11) – swam to quick times to qualify for the East Region Long Course Championships, which will see top swimmers from Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire go head-to-head in Norwich and Luton.

With personal bests achieved by all four youngsters, Iona then achieved her goal of the 50m and 100m Freestyle finals, and Ciara showed great promise by taking third in the combined 11/12 years 50m Freestyle event.

The Barracudas have now set their sights on at least five swimmers achieving regional qualifying times next year with more swimmers reaching finals.

The club was also well represented at the Fenland Open held at Whittlesey.

Daniel Kendall scooped three golds and one silver, Thomas Alderton won one gold, one silver and two bronze and George Sporle won a gold and a silver medal.

Orla Harrison took one silver and two bronzes and Jasmine Thompson bagged a bronze, with Phoebe Boyle and Grace Lowther achieving some impressive personal best times.

The Barracudas are looking for volunteers to help put on their swimming sessions. If you would like to get involved then please contact info@elyswimmingclub.org.