NORTH Norfolk Vikings Swimming Club have been back in action after a well-earned summer rest following their most successful season ever.

Swimmers from the club travelled to Thetford for the first open meet of the new season on September 5.

Mathew Webb (12) had an excellent meet coming away with a first place in breaststroke his favoured stroke, two third places and one fourth place. Younger member Mollie Smith (nine) also had very encouraging swims with a first place in breaststroke, one fourth and one fifth place. Emily Bowyer (12) gained two seconds and three third places.

Catherine Ruff (13) fought off tough opposition to win two medals also. Other members of the squad were Kristian Sumser-Lupson (10) Molly Bowyer (10) and Sam Ruff (16) also swimming well gaining personal best times.

On September 19 a larger squad swam at Dereham for their Iceni annual open meet.

A hugely popular meet, many swimmers from Norfolk swimming clubs attended but were also joined by many clubs from Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Leicester.

The boys started the racing with 200 metres individual medley, an event which combines all the swimming strokes together. National qualifier Adam Crafer (13) dominated the field in his age group by winning the first of his five races.

Mathew Webb (12) also swam a great race to take first place followed by Sam Crafer (12) who was placed fourth. Harry Gillingwater (13) achieved a very good personal best time. The 100 metres breaststroke gave Katie Witting (14) a second place in her favoured stroke along with Maike Gerdes (15) who competed well at this event.

Younger swimmers Marisa Cordoba (9), Imogen Horne Morris (9), Mollie Smith (10), Kristian Sumser-Lupson (10), William Jacobs (11), Jessica Spooner (10), Greta Balfour (11) gained valuable experience from competing at a large competitive meet performing very well under a large audience. Isla Rush (11) and Emily Bowyer (12), all came home with medals, a recent injury unfortuanately stopped Alex Witting (16) swimming in all of her events, just being able to swim in the backstroke event. Mathew Webb had another good win in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Zach Jeary (15) swam well in the butterfly event touching home to win another medal for the club. Hannah Bacon (13) also enjoyed competing for the club again.

After a very exhausting day all the swimmers went home with their heads held high.

Adam Crafer was presented with the trophy for top boy at the meet after winning all of his five races and North Norfolk Vikings Swimming Club were placed fourth team out of 18 clubs competing. A great start to the swimming season following on from their success of last season.

For more information on joining the swimming club contact Tracey Khalil on 01263 511919 or to join the learn to swim contact Sara Hepwood on 01263 768611.