TIVERTON Swimming Club had a challenging time at the Exmouth friendly inter-club gala at the weekend.

The Mid Devon team came sixth behind the teams from Kingsbridge, Exmouth, Torquay Leander, Tavistock and Ilfracombe.

Tiverton took three first places in individual events with fine performances from Joseph Zilch in the 15 years and under 100m backstroke, Lorna Callahan in the 100m butterfly for 15-year-olds, and Jess Leper in the 13 years 50m butterfly.

Lucy Abraham, who is aged just 12, took second place in the 50m breaststroke in the 13 years and under group.

Nine-year-old Gemma Owens continues to improve and she took another six seconds off her 50m freestyle personal best time in just one week.

The team also performed well in the relay events, snatching a first in the female 15 and under 200m medley and second in the female 15 and under 200m free.

Head coach Steve Carder said: "As a developing club we don't currently have the number of competitive swimmers available that the other clubs have.

"Unfortunately this means we are unable to compete in every event and therefore do not score points in these events.

"However, this was still an excellent performance by the squad with some personal best times being achieved. I hope as a club we can attract more members, which will give us the depth and breadth of all ages of competitive swimmers that the club needs to compete in these team points-driven events."

Tiverton Swimming Club will next be competing in an open event at Penzance on Saturday.

For results and more information log on to tiverton-swimming.co.uk.