Pupils left devastated by news they would miss out on an annual synchronised swimming competition took action and organised their own.

After numerous date changes, the English Schools' Swimming Association (ESSA) decided to stage its competition on May 21, a date which clashed with the equally popular Synchro European Championships.

Swimmers at Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls, in Aldenham Road, Elstree, had entered two teams into the school's tournament, and had been training for the event since September.

Sue Whiting, parent and organiser, said: “The work was totally wasted and there was nothing else, no other competition they could enter.

“There is such a lovely atmosphere in synchronised swimming, so they were just so upset. I had a meeting with the organisers and they said they will not change that date.

“All the judges, officials, and anyone who is anyone in the synchronised swimming world is not going to support a school competition at this time.”

After the disappointment of not being able to attend the annual competition, several parents and members of the school's synchronised swimming team took it on themselves to organise their own event.

Haberdashers' Aske's School for Boys lent the use of their three-metre deep pool, and participants ranged from novice swimmers to experienced club members, including several national swimmers.

In total, 14 schools took part on April 2, after two months of accelerated training, extended pool hours and organisation from the sixth form girls.

Organiser Beverley Smith said: “The number of schools that decided to participate surpassed our wildest dreams.”

The Haberdashers' girls excelled, with the first and second teams taking gold and silver respectively in the school combination team section.

Ms Whiting added: "I strongly believe we need to support this sport because pupils get a taster and there are people with the time and commitment to help them."