Swimmers up their Stroke

Over 160 swimming records were set at this year's Pembrokeshire Age Group Championships.

The annual championships, in which local swimming clubs compete against each other, was held over three days at Haverfordwest Leisure centre earlier this month.

Of 276 records, 63 existing records were broken and 104 new championship records were set - due to a new competition format.

Swimmers breaking standing records were: Andrew James, Bethan Davie, Hannah Saunders, Daniel Thomas, Jonathan Orchard, Carys Thomas, Ben Rees, Bethan Rees, Hollie Thomas, Callum Macleod, Finn O'Hearn, Isabel Johns, Abergayle Williams , Sam Lewis and Lewys Blanc.

For the first time the championship was licensed at Level 2 and Level 4 to allow swimmers to achieve national qualifying times.

Bethan Davie and Andrew James achieved three national qualifying times between them.

Paul Dowey, Pembrokeshire Leisure's swimming development coach, said the excellent results were testament to the hard work and effort of the swimmers and their coaches.

"There's no better time to be involved in Pembrokeshire County swimming," he said. "If anyone would like to get involved in competitive swimming they should get in touch with their local club via their nearest leisure centre."

Local swimming clubs taking part in the championships were Pembroke & District, Milford Haven Tigers, Haverfordwest Seals, Fishguard Flyers and Tenby Dolphins.

Photograph: Hollie Thomas flies along in the 200 metre butterfly event.