OKEHAMPTON Otters Swimming and Lifesaving club are celebrating their successful club championships.

Swimmers of all ages put their hard work and training to use by trying to knock time off their personal bests in order to win awards at the annual presentation evening which is to be held in January at Ashbury Golf Hotel.

Karen Adams, gala organiser said: 'These two weekends have been very successful and it is fantastic to see so many of our swimmers taking part. Lots of personal bests were beaten and it's a great opportunity for parents and family members to see what their Otters have achieved during their time with the club.

'To see such support is very rewarding, not only to the swimmers but to the volunteers who give up their time to coach sessions and do all the behind the scenes work to keep the club running.'

Dave Mugilston Otters' chairman added: 'The atmosphere at these championships was brilliant. For many of the younger swimmers it was their first experience of a gala and the support they received must have been very encouraging. Well done to all Otters. Thanks too to Parklands Leisure centre for their continued support.'

2012 has been a good year for the club; back in the summer Otters held a very successful Olympic themed gala and just recently four older members completed their ASA level one aquatics — a nationally recognised qualification and the first step on the ladder to teaching and coaching swimming. The fees for this course (£395) have been raised from a number of sources, including a contribution from the Lyn Trust, a donation from the Chamber of Trade for delivering the Okehampton Living Magazine and sponsorship from the Co-Op.

Okehampton Otters swim club has 150 Junior and 18 Master members. There is no minimum age requirement but swimmers must be competent to at least level seven ASA national teaching plan.

For further information please see http://www.okehamptonswimmingclub.co.uk">www.okehamptonswimmingclub.co.uk or contact Nick on 07801 921733.