THE North Lancashire Championships proved to be a happy hunting ground for Blackburn Centurions after amassing a clutch of top three places over two weekends of swimming.

The Centurions returned with 43 top three places against top class opponents.

What made it all the more impressive was the fact that only 30 Centurions took part.

Three out of every four swimmer recorded personal best times - something head coach, Rick Hall, put down to hard work.

He said: “I am incredibly pleased with both the impressive badge total and especially the number of personal bests achieved over both weekends.

“All swimmers have done the club proud and it is very pleasing to see swimmers now competing in these events. Everyone was very professional and gave 100 per cent to their swims.”

Results - Jessica Hargreaves, nine, (2nd overall in age group) - 2nd: 100m and 200m IM; 50m and 200m breaststroke; 3rd: 50m and 100m b’fly; 200m backstroke.

Grace Orrell, 10, (2nd overall age group) 1st: 50m, 100m, 200m backstroke; 50m freestyle. 2nd: 50m b’fly; 100m and 200m freestyle; 200m breaststroke. 3rd: 100m b’fly; 100m breaststroke.

Kieran Atkinson (3rd overall in age group) 1st: 400m, 800m, 1500m freestyle; 3rd: 200IM; 100m freestyle; 100m b’fly.

Ben Edwards 1st: 200IM; 100m breaststroke; 1500m freestyle. 2nd: 200m backstroke; 3rd: 800m freestyle.

Natasha Hall 2nd: 1500m freestyle. Ellie Glynn 2nd: 1500m freestyle. 3rd: 200m and 800m freestyle. Matthew Hargreaves 1st: 800m freestyle. Howard Walsh 3rd: 200m freestyle. Amber Cameron 2nd: 50m and 200m b’fly, Max Butler 3rd 20om b’fly. Anna Hopkin 2nd: 100m freestyle. Katie Jepson (the third places) l Blackburn Centurions is holding a month’s free trial for anyone wishing to join.

For further details, ring the club mobile on 07816 302849 or email Admin@blackburncenturions.co.uk