HUNDREDS of swimmers from across the region battled it out in the pool this weekend during an annual competition.
The third Dander open gala, hosted by Darlington Amateur Swimming Club (DASC) at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, saw 250 swimmers from teams across the North- East compete in 1,300 individual swims.
The competition involved 14 teams, including clubs from Newcastle, Peterlee, in east Durham, and Bedale and Hetton, in North Yorkshire.
Laurence Murray, chairman of Darlington Amateur Swimming Club said 80 swimmers from the Darlington club took part.
He said: “It is great to see so many people here.
There are so many spectators cheering the swimmers on that we have had to turn some away because we are full.
“The gala is attractive to younger swimmers as most of the races are 50 metres and some of them are experiencing their first gala, while others are more experienced.
“Quite a few swimmers from our club are winning medals, and some of them are competing at regional and national
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