LOCAL swimmers were hailed the best in Britain when the annual Amateur Swimming Association gala dinner was held in Birmingham last week.

Among this years winners was Clare Butler from Whittingham, who won the special winner honour after taking gold medals in every stroke at the Garstang Swimming Club gala earlier this year.

Even though she is only six, she is already matching times of nine-year-olds, and has just completed her 2,000 metre distance award!

Clare wasn't the only representative for Preston at the event. She was joined by pupils from Whitechapel Primary School, near Preston, who received the special winner award for the small school category after their dedicated band of swimmers picked up several honours at local swimming events.

Unlike most awards events, Clare and the pupils from Whitechapel actually got to show off their skills in the swimming pool at the hotel, and were joined by swimming celebrities Nick Gillingham and Ian Wilson.

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