Clevedon Swimming Club achieved their highest ever finish at the Somerset County Championships at Millfield School.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Ava Williams, Eloise Cash, Mimi Vincent, Amelie Dorrington.Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Ava Williams, Eloise Cash, Mimi Vincent, Amelie Dorrington. (Image: Clevedon Swimming Club)

One of 21 teams to compete in the championships, Clevedon SC finished in fourth place, behind Millfield, Taunton Deane and University of Bath.

Success was seen across all age groups and stages, from swimmers competing for the first time through to those achieving regional and national qualification times.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Ella Jenkins and Eloise Cash.Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Ella Jenkins and Eloise Cash. (Image: Clevedon Swimming Club)

And Clevedon's Eva Farmery, Ella Jenkins and Blayne Stanbrook successfully achieved qualifying times to enable them to attend the British Nationals meet in the summer, following their performance at this event.

The Covid-19 pandemic had forced Clevedon SC out of the pool for nearly 12 months.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Alex Parish, Tom Weeks, Theo Quinn, Tom Prewett.Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Alex Parish, Tom Weeks, Theo Quinn, Tom Prewett. (Image: Clevedon Swimming Club)

That made the team's success even sweeter, showing the level of commitment from swimmers, coaches and volunteers who have done so much to ensure swimmers can get back to the pool as soon as they were allowed to open again.

Head coach Pat Leaman guided the club's 36 swimmers to success with a total of 48 medals won, including 16 gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Sam, Ledward, Alex Parish, Jamie Steadman.Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Sam, Ledward, Alex Parish, Jamie Steadman. (Image: Clevedon Swimming Club)

In addition 15-year-old Jamie Steadman recorded five Junior Championship wins in an outstanding achievement.

There was further relay success for Clevedon with two silvers in the under-13 & 14 girls' and under-15 boys' 200m freestyle events.

North Somerset Times: Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Mimi Vincent, Fliss Vincent, Eva Farmery, Ava Williams.Clevedon Swimming Club members from left to right, Mimi Vincent, Fliss Vincent, Eva Farmery, Ava Williams. (Image: Clevedon Swimming Club)

They added four bronzes in the mixed and over-15s 200m freestyle, as well as the under-15 boys' 200m medley, the 10-12 year old 200m freestyle and 15 & over 200m medley

“I am so proud of the team for their achievements in and out of the pool," said head coach Leaman.

"We’ve had a real journey to get here and weren’t sure whether the event would even be able to take place before Christmas.

"Our achievements really have stood out and I’ve had congratulatory emails from head coaches across the county and nationally.”