TIVERTON Swimming Club got off to a great start at the first competitive event of the 2009/10 season — the 16th Exeter sprint meet at the Pyramids swimming pool in Exeter on Sunday.

More than 300 swimmers from 20 south west swimming clubs attended the event including 18 swimmers from Tiverton.

The team of 11 girls, aged between nine and 23, and 10 boys, aged between nine and 14, competed for individual and club awards.

Will Klinkenberg was fifth in the boys' 10-year-old 50m freestyle in a personal best time of 36.31 seconds.

Emily Abraham won the girls nine-year-old 50m breaststroke in 48.27. Emily also came second in the 50m girls' nine-year-old butterfly in a new best of 42.09. She was third in the girls' 50m freestyle.

Jo Zilch came third in the Boys' 15s 50m backstroke in a best of 2.06. Rosie Jones took nine second off her best in the 50m freestyle. Kirsty Manley, 24, had an exceptional swim in the 50m butterfly clocking 30.90.

Steve Carder said "I am very pleased with the results of all of the swimmers who have taken part in this first major event of the season. With so many personal best times achieved this early in the season it is a great indication of the excellent level of commitment that the swimmers have made. I hope this will continue into the forthcoming competitions of the season".

Tiverton are dut to compete in a team event at Exmouth this weekend. For more information and results, visit www.tiverton-swimmingclub.co.uk