REDDITCH Swimming Club won eight medals at the County Relay Championships, held at Wolverhampton Central Baths.

Because of numerous swimmers being unavailable, and gaps in some age groups it was only possible to enter teams for half of the 32 events.

Despite this, Redditch still assembled some strong teams, all of which qualified for their respective finals and contested the medal places.

Apart from one disqualification, all 16 teams secured a top five position.

Club captains Paul Wilkes and Laura Cranshaw managed to get there in time for the morning session, having only arrived back in the country at 2 am.

Despite getting only three hours’ sleep, they still led the Redditch masters’ team to victory in the medley relay and second in the freestyle.

The overall winners this year were Worcester, followed by Stourbridge, Wyre Forest and Ledbury, with Redditch close behind in fifth place, out of the 11 competing clubs from all over Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Head coach Chris Britt said: “Unfortunately we were missing too many swimmers and several of our teams were under-strength, but I was delighted with the performances of all of our swimmers.

“I really could not have asked any more of them. Will Moss swam despite a hand injury and our club captains, Paul and Laura, again showed their amazing commitment to the club by turning out almost directly from the airport.”

Redditch’s various squads train regularly at Abbey Stadium, Kingsley and Studley. Talented young swimmers are welcome to attend for a free trial session. Contact head coach Chris Britt on 01527 853257 or via e-mail at coach@redditchswim.org.uk Redditch medal winners: 9/10 girls 4 x 50m freestyle bronze – Katie Rolph, Georgia Fisher, Louise Osborne, Sophie Manley; 9/10 boys 4 x 50m medley silver – Dan Holmes, Dawson McDonagh, Josh McCluskey, Oliver Brown; 11/12 girls 4 x 50m freestyle silver – Hollie Richmond, Amelia Rodd, Megan Griffiths, Lizzie Kingham ; 11/12 girls 4 x 50m medley silver – Lizzie Kingham, Megan Griffiths, Hollie Richmond, Amelia Rodd; 13/14 boys 4 x 50m freestyle bronze – Ben Lewis, Dan Noke, Tom Page, Will Moss; 13/14 boys 4 x 50m medley bronze – Will Moss, Ben Lewis, Dan Noke, Tom Page; Mixed masters (140+ years) 4 x 50m freestyle silver – Laura Cranshaw, Alison Willis, Martin Potter, Paul Wilkes; Mixed masters (140+ years) 4 x 50m medley gold – Alison Willis, Laura Cranshaw, Paul Wilkes, Adrian Rodd.