CALLUM Hall was the starlet who shone brightest for Ramsbottom Rascals, who made a highly promising start to their North West Speedo Premier League season.

The eleven-year-old was first in the 50m breaststroke and second in the butterfly event. Also picking up good points was Ben Mallen, Ruth Grady, Duncan Saunders and Matt Wood.

Turning to the relays and the open ladies medley and freestyle teams were second, as was the 11th year and under boys medleys squad made up of Tom Booth, young Callum, Nick Cuningham and Duncan.

Ramsbottom were fifth out of six at the event at Everton with major squad clubs, Salford, Cockermouth, Wigan Wasps and Burnley ahead of them.

But head coach Rick Wesolowski was far from downhearted, and was this week at pains to praise his elite swimming squad of 40 who took part, for the way they were focused and proved they can compete in the big time.

Wesolowski told the Bury Times last night "We did not disappoint. We were focused and determined with many of our swimmers logging personal best times.

"Our emphasis during additional training session has been starts, turns and finishes -- and that paid off. The open ladies squad of Emma Hughes, Sue Heys together with Ruth and Cath Grady showed they are a match for any squad in the country.

"The younger swimmers will have picked up valuable experience from such a highly competitive event. I am very pleased at how we pushed the bigger squads and maybe surprised a few people. We know now what we have to work on to improve even more for next month's second round."

Other swimmers Wesolowski said had put in "heroic" performances were Adrian Jones, Robert Candler, Laura Spencer and Paul Whelan.