A SWIMMING club celebrating its 50th birthday this year is calling on former members to share their memories of bygone days.

Northallerton Otters Amateur Swimming Club was established in 1961 in the wake of a child’s drowning.

It is now a thriving competitive club, with almost 80 members, aged from five upwards.

Apart from scores of trophies that are competed for each November at the club’s championships, little memorabilia exists from its early days.

Club spokesman Gareth Dant said: "We have some longstanding members with excellent memories – our former president, Colin Walker, recently stepped down after 39 years with the club – but it would be great to see what other people in the area might have lurking in their photo albums and attics.

"In this, our 50th year, we’d love to share fond memories of the club in times gone by with members of all ages."

Swimmers train at Hambleton Leisure Centre, in Northallerton, on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday nights. The club is always recruiting new members.

Anyone with photographs or other items relating to the club is asked to contact Mr Dant on 01609-760059 or at nasc.otters@gmail.com

:: A recent bring-a-friend fun night raised more than £80 for club funds. The event was marked with a birthday cake made by Julie Meeks, whose three daughters swim with the club.