LOCAL swimming clubs Ramsbottom Rascals and Bury & Elton have put rivalry on the back burner to mark the Millennium writes PHIL THORP.

The two organisations have combined to send a squad of youngsters to Woodbury, New Jersey, USA as part of the borough's Year 200 celebrations.

The team is the largest group taking part in the cultural and sporting festival and the lucky youngsters will travel to Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York as well as competing against American swimming clubs.

Woodbury was founded in 1682 by Henry Wood, a Tottington Quaker who fled England because of religious persecution.

The squad will be led by officials of both clubs including coaches Rick Wesolowski and Lesley Cunliffe and team managers Dave Bell and Dave James.

Both teams have been active over the past few months raising money for poolside kit for the event.

"The trip is a fantastic opportunity for all the swimmers who have been putting in extra training sessions," said Rick Wesolowski.

"They are looking forward to the challenge and experience of competiting in the USA - It will be a real trip of a lifetime."

Bury & Elton coach Lesley agreed and said that the swimmers would being tremendous credit to the town. The celebrations begin on June 29 until July 9.