THE annual Hambleton championships returned with 130 swimmers from across the district competing for the first time in two years.

Youngsters from Northallerton, Thirsk and Stokesley swimming clubs came together at Bedale pool to compete in the event which spanned two weekends.

Covid restrictions meant the competition, which usually results in a winning club, running slightly differently. Instead, swimmers took part in time trials in a bid to improve their personal bests, with medals for the fastest swim in each race and age group.

There was however an overall result for the best girl and boy in the district which went to 15-year-old Mille Mayger from Thirsk and 16-year-old Jack Leggott from Northallerton.

Also awarded during the event was the Kirsten Trophy for the youngest swimmer in Hambleton to swim a length unaided. The competition has been running since the early 1970s. This year it went to five-year-old Hermione Price from Thirsk. The runner up was Finn Schofield, five, from Northallerton swimming club and there was a special mention for 11-year-old Izzy Hinde.

Head coach of Northallerton Swimming club Greg Ient, who coordinated the event, said: “It’s been really great to see our young swimmers competing again. We’ve missed out on so much due to Covid-19 and Thirsk swimming club has had a particularly challenging few months as their home pool has undergone a £4m redevelopment, so they’ve had to travel to train. So, to see swimmers from across the area back in the pool racing again is fantastic.”