MEMBERS of Evesham Swimming Club returned home triumphant after six days of action at the Worcester County Championships.

Many proud competitors took their place on the podium to receive medals - reward for all the hard work in the pool during the last 12 months.

The club welcomed Margaret James, president of the Worcester County Association, to present special commemorative pin badges to all the 2003 county swimmers.

The results of the counties left head coach, Debbie Dagnall with plenty to smile about.

The 17/18-year-old age group saw Tom Arrow-smith win several medals. He achieved a pennant for fourth place in the 100m breaststroke and bronze medals in the 200m I/M, 400m freestyle, 200m butterfly and 1500m freestyle.

Silver medals were pocketed in the 100m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, 800m freestyle and two golds for his victory in the 200m and 100m freestyle events.

In the 12-year age group, Holly Burton was in winning form. She achieved fourth place final pennants for her efforts in the 200m freestyle and 100m freestyle. She also achieved fourth place in both the 50m backstroke and butterfly events.

Burton went on to win bronze medals for her efforts in the 200m backstroke and 400m freestyle, silver medals in the 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle in a time that qualified her for the 12 and under county championship 50m freestyle sprint.

A further pb was achieved as she swam to a county championship silver medal for this event.

Burton landed top spots in the 50m breaststroke and took two gold medals in both the 100m breaststroke and 200m breaststroke events.

Holly Carter (17) also had a successful counties with a fourth place in the 200m breaststroke, a bronze in the 100m freestyle, two silver medals in the 400m I/M and 800m freestyle and gold in the 150m freestyle.

Cameron Brodie, also competing at the Counties for the first time, achieved several personal best times and was placed second in the 50m freestyle.

Clemence Rich qualified for four races and pipped all the other 11-year-old girls to first place in the 50m freestyle.

There were pennants for Ramsay Evans in addition to bronze medals for his efforts in the 200m individual medley and 50m breast and backstroke.

The youngster then swam a tactical 200m butterfly race to add a silver to his collection.

The 13-year age group saw Andrew Dagnall record several personal best times.