WEST Dorset Swimming Club welcomed members past and present, and their families, to its 25th anniversary celebrations held at Dorchester RFC.

The club were delighted to see so many familiar faces and thanked all those who have supported them over the years.

The celebrations were an opportunity for the club to reflect on its prestigious history, remembering the significant number of members who have achieved Olympic, international or national recognition in swimming, disability swimming and other swimming-based disciplines.

That legacy is continuing with 12 current members representing the club with distinction at the Western Regional Championships during May and June.

Special mention goes to Amie Buttle, who qualified for three finals, and Finley Jarvis, who qualified for five and won a silver and two bronze medals in the breaststroke events.

Jarvis has also been selected to attend the prestigious regional training camp.

The club has always provided access to a variety of swimming-based disciplines, and recently three swimmers represented Great Britain in the Biathle World Series in Italy.

Holly Johnson and Rocco Taylor were both unlucky to be pipped for bronze in the under-10 events, while in a very strong 11/12 girls’ category, Viv Taylor competed exceptionally well to take eighth.

Ollie Sanderson also came first in the South West Regional Open Water Championships.

Not to be outdone, some older swimmers have also successfully obtained national honours.

Luke Voss achieved a superb third in the European Aquathlon Championships in Cologne earlier this month, and Zoe Gowers has been selected to compete in pentathlon’s European Championships in Portugal this month.

The club’s ‘Sharks’ squad continues to develop and is a crucial part of what makes the West Dorset outfit unique.

The squad provides training and competition for members with additional needs.

Parents and swimmers feel and see the benefit from working with an excellent coach who ensures all perform to the very best of their ability.

Swimmers had an opportunity to further their development and competitive experience at the club’s Steps Gala, where again there were great performances from all who competed.

There were also successes for West Dorset swimmers at the Dorset Schools Finals.

Anna Charles and Lauren McRobbie won individual golds and achieved other top-three finishes.

Fergus Dipple and Daniel Roberts also claimed podium places and the relay teams, which featured many of the club’s swimmers, also won numerous top-three places.

The club’s water polo players and squads continue their fantastic achievements, with Harry Wheeler selected to play for South West England in a national championship in Cardiff in July.

To find out more, visit swim westdorset.org.uk, Facebook or Twitter.