HUNDREDS of youngsters battled to be the best at a swimming gala at the weekend.

Swimming clubs from throughout the region descended on Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on Saturday and yesterday for the open event hosted by Wear Valley Amateur Swimming Club.

Both girls and boys strove to be at the top of their age group while trying to swim their own personal best times in 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 this which often act as good grounding for the Olympics.

Janet Alderton, whose son Christopher has recently represented 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 teamwork 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 - 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.