HAWKWELL’S Clements Hall have hosted regional heats of the nation’s biggest swimming gala for children aged between six and 16.

The heats took place in 12 venues across the country, with more than 2,000 youngsters participating in total. Everyone who competed in the swimming gala took home a medal, with Thundersley, the winning team receiving a special trophy.

Top local performers of the weekend included Shamiso Ndoro who came top in the Girls 6 years and under 25m Butterfly race with an impressive 29.45 seconds. Matthew Collins also won the Boys 7 years 25m butterfly race in 35.18 seconds.