RADCLIFFE Swimming and Water Polo Club is to make a massive splash to mark its centenary in style.

An international water polo tournament will be staged at Radcliffe Pool on August 28 and 29.

And Radcliffe will compete against some of the top teams in the sport.

Club secretary Mr Neil McCheyne said: "We wanted to do something really special to mark the milestone in the club's history. This is going to be unforgettable."

The Radcliffe team will face the British Police, who are the police and fire world champions; the English champions, Lancaster; Scottish champions Portobello; and Irish champions Half Moon.

Mr McCheyne said: "It's a real coup to get teams of such high quality coming to Radcliffe. This is the biggest club tournament in the country this year, which is a great privilege for the town and a fitting tribute to the club."

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor John Costello, will officially open the event at 3pm on the Saturday.

Hosting the landmark event will be Radcliffe Swimming Club stalwart Mr Bill Pearce and the former chief coach, Mr Eric Simister.

VIP guests in attendance will include Mr Edwin Taylor, the president of the Amateur Swimming Association, and the Northern Counties president, Mr Bernard Cadwell.

All-day tickets are available for spectators who want to share in what promises to be an historic moment in Radcliffe's sporting history.

SATURDAY: 3.30pm, Radcliffe v British Police; 4.25pm, Lancaster v Half Moon; 5.20pm, British Police v Portobello; 6.15pm, Radcliffe v Lancaster; 7.10pm, Portobello v Half Moon.

SUNDAY: 1.25pm, Rad v Half Moon; 2.20pm, Police v Lancaster; 3.15pm, Rad v Portobello; 4.10pm, Police v Half Moon; 5.05pm, Lancaster v Portobello; 6pm, presentation ceremony.

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