PHOENIX Swimming Club sent 21 swimmers to the first two weekends of the 2008 Essex Swimming Championships at Blackshots Pool, Grays, and had some excellent results.

The Basildon-based club came home with five county medals, seven other final places, gained five regional qualification times and broke eight club records.

All 21 swimmers competing had to qualify by achieving tough qualifying times, which they have been working towards from the beginning of the season.

Star of the show was 11-year-old Kathryn Pearse, who claimed one gold, one silver and five other final positions from her eight swims spread over two full weekends.

Pearse took the coveted county title in the 50 metre backstroke in a time of 35.30 seconds and followed this up on the second weekend with the silver medal position in the 100 butterfly with a time of 1min.16.7 seconds - an eastern qualifying time.

It also broke the Phoenix club record for the 11 year age group.

In addition Kathryn had four fifth placings and an eighth spot.

Harvey Brown, in his first major championships took the silver medal in the 10 year boys 50 metre freestyle sprint in a club record time of 32.38 seconds.

Another silver medalist was 13 year old Westcliff High School