OKEHAMPTON Otters Swimming and Lifesaving Club held the annual Emily Webster Memorial gala on Saturday at the Parklands leisure centre.

Emily was a member of Otters before her premature and tragic death in the 2004 Newbury rail crash, the money raised at the event from the prize draw is to be donated to the Devon Air Ambulance in her memory.

Fifty or so club members, split into four teams, led by club and vice captains. This fun event enables young swimmers to take part in a competitive swim, many for the first time within the confines of their own club. The winning team this year was captained by Henry Cooper.

The club also presented the Amateur Swimming Associations National Plan Awards stages eight to 10. Swimmers are assessed by the clubs level 2 coaches Nick Bowles and Fiona Aylen. Swimmers have to demonstrate a range of competencies in all four strokes before they are eligible for the awards. Fifty two certificates were awarded for stages eight and nine - and also two at the highest award stage 10.

Awards were also presented to some of those who achieved the Bronze Medallion Lifesaving Award. Volunteer instructor Tony Clark led the course over a period of four months to its successful outcome. Those that successfully passed or are about to take the exam are Sam Collett, Harry Edwards, Freddy Eggleton, Izzy Ewen, Nell Fallon Clark, George Roberts and Dominic Wooldridge.

Many of the lifesavers, such as Emily Alexander, go on to teach others and become pool lifeguards. For those aged 9 and above, Otters Rooky Lifeguard every Friday at 6pm improves swimming, teaches water safety and how to help others as well as improving swimming and confidence. Anyone interested in attending please contact Tony Clark on 01837 840283.

Chairman, Rob Ewen would like to say well done to all the swimmers and express his thanks to the coaches and volunteers that give up their valuable time to make these events happen.

The next home gala is on Saturday, June 19 against Credition and Bude.

Anyone interested in joining Otters should contact the membership secretary Karen Adams on 01409 231152.

The club is presently trying to raise around £8,000 for an electronic swim timing system that will enhance home galas immediately displaying times and positions on a LED display.

Anyone that would like to assist in raising funds or donating toward this worthwhile project should contact Dave Rickwood at [email protected]">[email protected]