Biggleswade s swimmers claimed a record medal haul at the Bedfordshire County Championships. The 66-strong team swam outstandingly to come a close second in the overall medal table to Luton Swimming Club. Biggleswade claimed a total of 231 medals (88 gold

Biggleswade's swimmers claimed a record medal haul at the Bedfordshire County Championships.

The 66-strong team swam outstandingly to come a close second in the overall medal table to Luton Swimming Club.

Biggleswade claimed a total of 231 medals (88 gold, 84 silver and 59 bronze) and showed a massive improvement compared to the 2005 total of 176 and surpassed the target of 200 set at their recent awards evening.

In addition the swimmers recorded nine national qualifying times, with four each for Harriet Brettle and Adam Ingledew.

Ten-year-old Kane Farrell achieved his 200m breaststroke qualifying time a year before he can compete at the national championships.

All three are now ranked first in Great Britain for their age following their performances at the championships.

An incredible 30 swimmers from the club have now qualified for the Eastern Regional Age Group and Youth Championships by claiming 90 qualifying times at the meet, the highest ever for the Jordan's sponsored club.

In total there were 361 personal best performances over the five days.

Swimmers also claimed several junior or senior championship podium places, as well as taking the trophies for the under-10 girls' 4x50m freestyle relay and the 11-13 girls' medley relays.

Louise King claimed a total of seven cups as she dominated the butterfly events recording an outstanding 1.09 in the 100m butterfly while Rachel Hollington collected two new East Region times in the 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle.

The race of the weekend was in the 13 and under 200m freestyle when three Biggleswade girls got a one-two-three in the final heat.

Swimming in outside lanes, Danielle Lee, Emma Jones and Abigail Lavallin paced the first 100m well before overhauling the opposition and taking a commanding lead in the last 50m.

Danielle touched first 0.15 ahead of Emma to also take a bronze in the 15 and under junior category.

Abigail was right behind them in third as all three claimed their East Region times for June.

Head coach Vix Metcalf, who is leaving the club, said that all the results showed the strength in depth at the club.

"Swimmers are coming through in all ages. Biggleswade took many of the age group awards as well as junior and senior championship cups.

"This is a great meet to bow out on from the club.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at Biggleswade SC and wish the kids all of the success they deserve for the future.

"In the last two years we have improved our medal haul by over 100 medals and achieved more than I could ever dream of.

"We not only got promoted from Division Two in the Speedo League but made it to the final in the first year in Division One.

"I wish to thank the past and present committee and coaching team as well as all of the swimmers for making my time here so memorable.