A GROUP of York’s top swimmers are hoping to make a splash at the National Championships next week.

Eight swimmers from York City Baths Club have won through to the prestigious competition at Ponds Forge starting on Thursday.

Swimmers from the club will be taking on hundreds of competitors from clubs across the country at the Sheffield venue in both the National Age Group Championship as well as the junior and senior championships.

The club team includes 11-year-olds Sam Russell and Lucy Nicholson, who have had a string of successes in recent galas and who are both determined to reproduce their winning form on a national stage for the first time.

Carrie Suddes and Freya Beck, both aged 12, will be returning for their second appearance at the nationals competing in five events with Annie Johnston, 13, making her third successive appearance at the national championships.

James Wilby, Danny Martland and Sarah Lambert will also be representing the club in the junior and senior championships.

Club coach Dawn Martland said: “We have real talent in these swimmers and to see them reaching national status is testament to their commitment.

“I am really pleased to see debutants again this year and to have many qualifying 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 swimmers from the club will look a cut above the competition after being kitted out in specially made T-shirts and hoodies for the championships, with sponsorship from the Park Inn by Radisson York.

Martland said: “The support from the Park Inn gives all swimmers a real confidence boost, knowing they are being backed and supported by a major city business.”