Tavistock Swimming Club are back to competing after an 18-month hiatus induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

‘It’s a relief getting back to normal,’ said James Lake, head coach. ‘The time away can make swimmers divert or lose interest so this allows us to set targets and gives our training even more purpose by putting things back into perspective. It definitely feels good to be back.’

The ongoing pandemic left the club without a way to train in water for several months as Meadowlands Leisure Centre and Mount Kelly were closed during lockdowns.

The club employed every possible means to train outside the pool such as land and circuit training on the moors, online videos and tutorial sessions on health, sleep and nutrition.

The club has spent the last three weekends competing at the Plymouth City Open and the Lyndsay Powell Memorial Meets in Exeter, banking some auspicious results.

‘The swimmers have surpassed all expectations at this stage,’ James said. ‘I’m hugely proud of them.’

Club figures are currently between 80 to 90 and they are always on the lookout for new blood, having recently seen an encouraging influx of new swimmers.

The club’s main focus now is county competitions, which begin in January.

In the interim, the club will be competing in the winter regionals and the Plymouth Leander Open Meet.