SIX members of Tavistock Swimming Club competed in the Plymouth Leander long course swimming gala which was held at the Life Centre in Plymouth.

It was a superb experience for the swimmers to compete in events, where each length was 50 metres, instead of the usual 25 metres, in a high level gala where more than 380 swimmers from 54 clubs competed.

The swimmers competed in a total of 27 events ranging from distances of 50m up to 1500m and gained 17 personal best times and 11 top 20 positions.

On the first evening, Matt Edwards achieved the national qualifying time for the 1500m freestyle, with an excellent swim to finish third in his age group; in the same event James finishing sixth in his age group.

The two competed in seven events during the weekend with Matt achieving top 20 finishes in six events, which included a fourth place in the 400m freestyle and six personal best times. James also achieved six pbs and three top 20 finishes.

Emily Attfield, aged 14, swam in the five freestyle events and gained a pb in the 400m freestyle.

Kieran Rookes, 15, produced three personal best times in the 100m freestyle and the 100m and 50m breaststroke events as well as top 20 finishes in both the breaststroke events.

Harry Thompson competed in the 50m and 100m freestyle and achieved a personal best in the 100m freestyle.

Jessamy Clemens, 12, was competing in a long course meet for the first time and recorded good times in both the 50 and 100m freestyle.

Delighted TSC head coach James Lake said: 'The Plymouth Leander Meet was a very prestigious competition, with competitors coming from across Europe.

'Our guys did brilliantly to race at this level and achieved well. Matt Edwards achieved his national qualifying time, the first Tavistock swimmer to do so for more than 10 years — a fantastic achievement!'

n If you are interested in joining Tavistock Swimming Club visit its website on http://www.tavsc.co.uk">www.tavsc.co.uk and 'contact us'.