A NORTH Yorkshire swimming club is celebrating its 50th birthday this week.

Northallerton Otters Amateur Swimming Club was established in 1961 after the tragic drowning of a local child.

Fifty years on, it is a thriving competitive club with almost 80 members aged from five upwards.

As part of celebrations to mark the anniversary, club is holding an open night on Sunday, at the town’s Hambleton Leisure Centre.

As well as being a fun break from training for existing members – who are each being encouraged to bring a friend – the event is an opportunity for those interesting in finding out more about the club to go along for a splash about.

Junior school-aged children will be welcomed from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Sunday, while older children can attend from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Entry costs £1.

As well as refreshments, club committee members will be on hand to explain more about the club and its aims and coaches will be on poolside to offer advice on technique.

Club spokesman, Gareth Dant, said: "We are looking forward to celebrating 50 years of the club with a fun night. The swimmers have been working and training very hard – with some great results in recent galas – it will be nice for them to relax and have some fun.

"We also look forward to welcoming some new faces."

For more information about the club, which trains at Hambleton Leisure Centre in Northallerton on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday nights, call 01609-760059 or email nasc.otters@googlemail.com The club is also currently seeking new sponsors for members’ kit.