A YOUNG Thirsk swimmer was in tremendous form last weekend, returning from the Nottingham open meet with four gold and one silver medal.

Ten-year-old Mark Wilkinson, who is only 21 days into his first year of open competition with the Thirsk White Horse swim team, recorded improved times in all his events. He took gold in the 100m individual medley, the 50m butterfly, backstroke and freestyle events and missed out on the breaststroke gold by a mere fingernail.

Thirsk's other swimmer at the meet was 11-year-old Thea Wilson, who finished sixth in the backstroke and just missed out on the finals of the butterfly and freestyle events.

Meanwhile, at the Kirklees 200/400 meet, where most of the top swimmers in the North East were taking part, Thirsk swimmer Jason Smith was never headed as he finished a comfortable winner in the 200m backstroke.

Thirsk's other swimmer at this meet was 12-year-old Adam Wood, who won a silver medal in the 200m butterfly, well within the national qualifying time, and was third in the 200m individual medley.

The Thirsk club's chief coach believes that its teaching and coaching staff are second to none. They have produced national finalists, county champions, many medalists in open events and three league titles despite the lack of a major sponsor.

The club is now taking on new members for its teaching classes, along with its training groups.