NEWLY promoted Great Harwood Otters Swimming club will face local rivals Pioneer 79 in their first match in North East Lancashire Friendly League Division One.

Otters, who gained promotion at the end of 2010, will also be in the same division at Haslingden and Burnley swimming clubs.

The new season begins later this month with the Otters entertaining Pioneer 79 in their opening match on March 21.

The rematch takes place at Hyndburn Sports Centre on May 6.

Club coach Craig Lord said: “I anticipate a very hard season ahead from our first fixture to the last.

“This will be a steep learning curve for our newly promoted Otters team. Hopefully we can nick a win or two here and there, and earn the right to stay in this division on merit.”

New swimmers are welcome to join the Great Harwood Otters Swimming club.

Training sessions are held on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 7.30 and for details, contact Tracey Beswick on 07917 052019 or Joyce Miller 01254 884247 visit our website www.otters-swimming-club.co.uk.