BLACKBURN Centurions Swimming Club held its annual awards evening to celebrate success and hard work in and out of the pool.

Nearly 200 swimmers, club members and family and friends attended the event held in held in Jack’s Bar at Ewood Park.

Coun Damian Talbot, executive lead for health and leisure of Blackburn with Darwen Council presented all the awards - and he had plenty to hand out.

The Micro League Team, North Lancashire Swim League Team, North West Arena League Team, qualifiers in the County and Regional Championships and those swimmers selected to represent North Lancs in the Inter-Association Gala.

A special spotlight shone on two swimmers, Anastasia Hartshorne-Evans, 13,from QEGS, who achieved county and regional standard as well as representing North Lancs at the Inter-Association Gala and 14-year-old Oliver Tsang-Walmington from Darwen Vale High School who achieved county and regional standards.

Both swimmers were in their first year of competitive swimming which demonstrates you can start this sport at any age and excel.

Darren Newsham, head coach and his team chose the swimmers of the year in the individual squads while there were also awards for the club’s unsung heroes.

Coun Talbot said: “I was honoured to be invited to present this year’s awards - in the club’s 140th year.

“It was absolutely fantastic to hear about the achievements of the award winners and also great to see the club’s many volunteers recognised as well.

“Well done to everyone at the club for another year of success. I’m sure there are many more to come.”

Club chairman, Nick Hartshorne-Evans, added: “There is nothing more exciting than seeing all our young members brimming with pride and excitement when they walk up to receive their award.

“Our young team of swimmer’s train and compete across the year with ups and downs but they all keep going, trying to improve and this evening was about a celebration of their endeavours and successes.

“I would also like to thank the parents, family and guardians who not only turn up and support the swimmers and the club but also act as taxi often travelling across the North West to get the swimmers to their venue on time.”

* Blackburn Centurions, based at Darwen Leisure Centre is a competitive Swim England affiliated and SwimMark Essential Club, the only in the Borough of Blackburn with Darwen. The club trains at Daisyfield swimming pool Monday and Tuesday and at Darwen Leisure Centre Wednesday, Thursday Friday and Saturday. To contact the club for further details please email info@swimblackburncenturions.co.uk