BURNLEY Bobcats took to the pool with world champions and record holders and showed that they were not out of their depth.

The club took part in its first event of the year at the City of Derby Open meet.

Held at the famous Ponds Forge pool in Sheffield, the competition attracted the best swimmers from across the country.

But despite the high quality on show, the Bobcats finished and impressive 17th out of the 61 clubs present – with all the swimmers performing to very high standards.

Coach Michael Robinson believes swimming in such company can only help his team of swimmers.

He said: “It was a fantastic weekend overall, with Bobcats swimmers holding their own against the best swimmers in the country.

“Sharing the pool with world champions and world record holders will help provide confidence for the swimmers when they go back to Sheffield to compete at the national championships.”

Elliott Norman, aged 10, came away with most podium places, taking gold in the 100m and 200m breastroke, and the 100m and 200m freestyle.

He also won silver in the 100m backstroke and finished fourth in the 200m IM final.

Ella Sheridan, age 12, took silver in the 200m and 400m freestyle events.

Will Murray took bronze in the 100m freestyle final and was seventh in the 100m butterfly.

And a number of swimmers recorded times which put them within a second of securing their National Qualification times.

Personal best times were also recorded by Grace Pickles, Erica Minozzi, Emma Fother-gill, Kerry Holding, Luke Pickles, and Jamie Sharpley.