SWIMMING champs Emma McKenna and Gemma Bromby were in sparkling form at the Central Lancashire championships held at the Commonwealth Games pool in Manchester.

But although acclaiming the efforts of the Ramsbottom Rascals squad, and in particular Emma and Gemma, the club's head coach Rick Wesolowski was critical that the Aquatics Centre electronic timing wasn't in operation.

"I was disappointed because the system with the swimmers names coming up on the giant electronic scoreboard can act as such an incentive," bemoaned Wesolowski.

The Rascals, continuing excellent early season form, picked up a total of 25 medals. Gemma landed a hat-trick of trophies with Emma winning two golds, a silver and bronze.

Nine-year-old Luke Evans was the best of the boys with double gold, and also on top of the podium were Chelsea Thomason, Victoria Donohoe, Alasdair Dawson, Rebekah Smith and Eleaner Jones. Calum Hall and Paul Whelan not only landed gold, but with personal bests.

Wesolowski had a special mention for Sophie Robinson, the nine-year-old who won a bronze medal in her first gala. At the other end of the age scale, birthday girl Emma Hughes, 18 this week, landed the 50m freestyle gold with the fastest time of the event.

Wesolowski told the Bury Times: I'm delighted with the discipline, focus and commitment of the swimmers who were a credit to their coaches and club".

At Wigan in the Central Lancs' age group gala, Wesolowski was heartened by the performance of the club's younger swimmers. In one event, the 50m backstroke, the club's 10-year-olds Rebekah Smith, Bryony Denny and Chelsea Thomason were first, second and third respectively. Long distance specialist Luke Guest landed three more golds, with Whelan again also amongst the medals.

Another Luke, 10-year old Evans, with a backstroke gold is following in the wake of his talented big brother Paul. Calum Hall, Lewis Shepherd and Hughes were also in dominant form.

Rascals form has won the club an amazing 20 places in the Central Lancs team.

With most points from 22 clubs in the area, the Rascals' Neil Hindle, who as president of the Central Lancs Swimming Association, was particularly proud.