MORE than 500 youngsters battled to be the best at a massive swimming gala this weekend.

Swimming clubs from throughout the region descended on Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Bishop Auckland, for the big open event, which was hosted by Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club on Saturday and Sunday.

Both girls and boys strove to be at the top of their age group while trying to swim their own personal best times in the hope of gaining a place in the national finals at Sheffield next summer.

Many of the dedicated young hopefuls put in hours of training each week to take part in events such as the weekend event, which often act as good grounding for the Olympics.

Janet Alderton, whose son Christopher has recently represented the Great Britain swimming team in the world championships, is also secretary of Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club.

She said: "We are hoping that eventually about 20 young people in our club will have the right times to qualify for the nationals.

"This weekend has been a fantastic success and everyone has had a great time. There has been a lot of team work involved and members of the club are absolutely thrilled with some of the times that our kids have come up with.

"We hope that people have enjoyed themselves enough to take part again next year."

Results are as follows:

Girls: Top nine to ten-year-old, Olivia Atkinson, Middlesbrough. Top 11 to 12-year-old, Sarah Hilditch, Consett. Top 13 to 14-year-old, Kirsty Stephenson, Middlesbrough. Top 15 years and over, Gemma Porter, Middlesbrough.

Boys: Top nine to ten-year-old, Ryan Walsh, Derwentside.

Top 11 to 12-year-old, Richard Suddes, Wear Valley.

Top 13 to 14-year-old, David Carter, Darlington. Top 15 years and over, Scott Hathaway, Derwentside.