REPRESENTATIVES of adult day centres made a real splash in an annual swimming contest yesterday.

About 75 competitors from eight day centres for adults with learning disabilities in County Durham took part in the competition, which was staged at Peterlee Leisure Centre.

Swimmers of varying ability and all ages over 18 took part in the gala, competing in a series of races over 25 and 50 metres in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke, as well as relay events.

There were also diving events, with competitors having to pick up a rubber brick from the bottom of the pool.

Organiser Colin Bainbridge said it brought out the competitive spirit in the swimmers, and there was a high standard of performance.

"There was a real cross-section, with some taking their time and just aiming to complete the course, while others were lightning fast.

"We have had people in the past who have gone on to Special Olympics standard, so this is a good stepping stone up to regional and then national competition.

"It has always proved a popular gala and there was a good number of spectators from the centres cheering on the competitors. All the centres offer weekly swimming sessions and some of them are at the baths two and three times a week."

Mr Bainbridge said it was one of a number of county-wide sporting competitions staged for day centre clients.

l A second pool-based event, for adult day centre clients who are non-swimmers, will take place at Darlington's Dolphin Centre in February