York City Baths Club’s elite swimmers were given a rousing send-off ahead of this week’s National Championships.

The championships start at Ponds Forge, in Sheffield, tomorrow and the club held a special event to show their support for the 11-strong squad.

Freya Beck and Carrie Suddes, both 11, have made the Nationals at the first opportunity.

Annie Johnston, 12, and Ellen Suddes, 12, have made it back for a second year running, while 13-year-old Megan Russell and Chloe Buck complete the line up of Age Group qualifiers.

In the Junior and Senior Championships, York City Baths Club members James Wilby, Xavier Edmonds-Allen, Danny Martland, Andy Burns and Sarah Lambert have also qualified.

Club coach Dawn Martland said: “To see our swimmers reaching National status is testament to their commitment – and to have a number doing it year on year shows consistency in performance.

“We wish each of them all the best and trust they will be examples for all the swimmers in the club to aspire to.”

The club presented each swimmer with a new commemorative club top, which were provided by Quantum Estate Agency.

Adele Barlow, a partner at Quantum, said: “We are very proud to be associated with this group of outstanding young athletes. We have witnessed first-hand the level of dedication needed to achieve qualification to the National finals and wish them every success.”

Further information is available on the website www.ycbc.org.uk