DAVE Pettengell believes Winsford’s swimmers can compete with the best of the rest in the region in the coming years.

He told the Guardian that the club’s youngsters had reached new heights after earning promotion to the National Arena League’s top tier in the north west.

Victory in a gala at Bury on Saturday sealed their place.

“It’s a great achievement,” said the Winsford Swim Team coach.

“A lot of rehearsal went into getting it right on the night, so to finish first is a triumph for everybody that played a part.”

Winsford, victors in each of the previous rounds in North West Division One at Horwich, edged out closest rivals Blackpool Aquatics A by just three points to finish top of the final table.

There was drama too when Kate Young, a victor in one of her races, was initially recorded as finishing fifth.

The points picked up from the subsequent amendment, plus a strong performance in the relays races, helped Winsford to a second successive promotion.

Pettengell said: “This success is down to a combination of factors, not least a tremendous spirit within the club.

“Winsford have enjoyed individual wins in the past few years, but a collective triumph shows the strength in depth that there is here now.

“When you’re a small club like we are, then that close-knit feeling can take you a long way.”

Winsford, runners-up in Division Two last year, will take their place in the Premier Division next term.

It is not new territory, for Pettengell picked a team at the highest level back in 2006.

However they were relegated after a single season.

“We’re better equipped to stay there this time around,” he said.

“We’ve had an influx of younger swimmers who will form part of our squad for the next two or three years, which I believe will allow Winsford to establish themselves.”