SWIMMERS from Tavistock Swimming Club had an early start last Saturday to attend the North Devon Swimming Club and Barnstaple New Year Open Meet at Barnstaple.

Many swimmers, although not reaching the finals, produced some excellent times against stiff competition and gained valuable experience. Peter Freedman had a particularly successful outing, breaking three club records during the gala: 17/0 100m back, 100m free and 4 x 25m IM. Peter also swam to fourth place in the 17/over 100m breast.

Caroline Ball broke a club record in the 12-year-old 200m free. Caroline also gained second place in the 12yrs 50m back, 50m breast 5th, 50m free 5th, 50m fly 4th, 4 x 25m IM 3rd.

Rebecca Mills reached the finals, gaining fifth place in 11yrs 50m free and 50m fly 6th place.

Personal best times: Amy Warnett (1), Alice Warnett (3), Will Feather (1), Nicholas Jarman (2), Thomas Worth (3), Sarah Guy (2), Christopher Ralph (3), William Crocker (4), Caroline Ball (2), Rebecca Mills (2), Peter Freedman (3).

Samantha Jarman narrowly missed out on gaining a personal best time in one of her events despite a good swim.

During the recent time trials held at Meadowlands, the most improved girl over 100m IM was April Holbrook and the most improved boy Matthew McNamara. 200m IM, most improved girl Lauren Cooke and most improved boy, Richard Freedman.

Chief Coach Margaret Gardner said the time trials were held at regular intervals so that swimmers can see how much they are improving over a distance of 100m or 200m IM.

Anyone wishing to join the swimming club can contact Margaret on 01566 782890.