BURY & Elton swimmers continue to show that they can overcome strong competition from across the country with national qualifying times and medal winning positions in both indoor and open water competitions.

This year's Inter Association Competition, which was held at Broughton Pool, provided an opportunity for the team's swimmers to shine.

The event, which is designated by the ASA for entry into national competitions and championships and is affiliated to the Northern Counties Amateur Swimming Association, hosts teams from across the north of England from Cumbria down to the north midlands.

Bury & Elton, with 32 team places, formed a significant contingent of the Central Lancs team. In addition B&E head coach Lesley Cunliffe was the Central Lancs team manager and Daniel Hitchlock was the boys team captain.

Throughout the competition all B&E swimmers performed strongly securing significant improvements to personal best times.

Daniel Hitchlock (15) achieved top six positions in all his events coming second in the 100m and 200m backstroke competitions; fourth and fifth in the 400m and 200m individual medley races respectively and fifth and sixth in the 100m and 200m freestyle events.

Thirteen-year-old Aron Cooper achieved national qualifying times and top six positions in the 100m and 200m freestyle events.

One of the youngest in his age group, Aron fought off stiff competition to secure first place in the 100m breaststroke final only later to be controversially disqualified for a false start. Claire Sigley (12) came fifth in the 100m breaststroke final.

The second Warburton Gala provided yet another opportunity for medal success.

Aron Cooper came first in the 13 years 100m freestyle and was one tenth of a second outside the event record and a national qualifying time of 59.06 seconds.

In the 11 years backstroke Nick Swirard secured third place in the boys event and Megan Ormrod smashed 12 seconds off her personal best time to take fifth place.

In the Open Water Swim arena Jo-Anne Bennett and Gemma Hitchlock are fast developing an awesome reputation.

At the Budworth the pair powered their way through the two mile course breaking the event record by 1.5 minutes with Jo-Anne receiving silver and Gemma the bronze medal.

The following week Jo-Anne won silver and gold medals respectively in extremely 'rough' weather and currents at Wikeham Lake, Scarborough.

On Monday, June 10 B&E faced local rivals Radcliffe in the Central Lancs Age Group Knockout semi-final.

The onslaught from B&E swimmers was relentless with the team winning outright 25 of the 31 races securing an impressive 55 points against Radcliffe's 37.

The teams then met the following week in a Central Lancs Junior League fixture and yet again B&E's performance was unwavering with a 63-43 winning margin.

The winning form continued when they faced Atherton last Friday in the Intermediate League and they won by an impressive 198-121.

The club held it's Summer Gala on Saturday, June 15 with Mayor and Mayoress John and Stella Smith in attendance.

The level of competition between teammates was intense with many close finishes.

Jo-Anne Bennett tied for the gold medal with Helen James in the Junior Girls freestyle championships and with Jennifer Sumner in the ladies butterfly final.

Swimmers collecting gold medals included: Helen James (3 gold, 1 silver); Megan Ormrod (3 gold, 1 bronze); Edward Banks (3 gold); Jo-Anne Bennett (2 gold, 1 silver); James Cooper (2 gold, 1 silver); Lynsey Tuckerman (2 gold, 1 bronze); Mark Dorey (1 gold, 3 silver); Jennifer Sumner (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze); Jason Cooke (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze); Anthony Fitzmaurice (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze); Nick Swirad (1 gold, 1 silver); Alysa Sarras (1 gold); Katie Leach (1 gold); Adam French (1 gold) and James Tuckerman (1 gold).

Lowercroft Primary School won the Junior Schools 4 x 1 relay for the third year running. Presentations were made by Deputy Commander, Bury Division, Superintendent Martin Harding.

The team has faced a hectic period with several galas over recent weeks. All swimmers have performed well in very demanding circumstances.

Head coach Lesley Cunliffe said: "The team's continued strong performance in such a range of events is due to the high level or aerobic fitness the swimmers have achieved during training. This will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season."