HASLINGDEN High swimmers gained valuable experience after taking part in the English Schools’ Swimming North West Division Secondary Schools relay for the first time.

While the team, named the Haslingden Aces, finished well outside the medal positions, it was a chance to test themselves against some of the best schools in the region – many of them private or grammar schools with a pool within their grounds.

In contrast, Haslingden use Marl Pits in Rawtenstall for training sessions.

“It was the first time we have entered the competition and I am delighted with how well our swimmers did,” said deputy head teacher and coach Gill Smith.

“We entered our junior team made up of five, Year 7 swimmers, who have just started with us so only just joined our club, and five, Year 8s.

“Most of the schools that took part entered Year 8 students.

“In the girls’ freestyle relay race 4x50m we came eleventh out of 28 schools and in the girls’ medley relay race we were 12th out of 30.

“The boys were 19 out of 22 in the freestyle and 21 out of 23 in the medley relays.”

Emily Nuttall, Beth Hartwell, Amy Barlow, Ben Wilson and Reece Griffiths were the 11-year-old Year 7 swimmers.

Emily, Beth and Amy all swim for the Accrington Club Pioneer 79, Ben swims for Colne Swimming Club and Reece for Ramsbottom Swimming Club.

Reece and Emily have also competed at county level.

Beth achieved a personal best of 30 seconds for her swim.

She said: “It was fun and there were a lot of people there and 500 swimmers.

“It was a hard competition because there were a lot of really good swimmers but I just did my best,” said Beth.