Watford Swimming Club has praised the passion and team spirit of its younger swimmers after finishing an impressive second overall in Division One of the Hertfordshire Peanuts League.

A team of 30 swimmers aged nine to 12 have represented the club in the league since May, culminating in tense but exciting final gala that was held on Saturday.

The energy on the night was palpable, with cheering and support poolside and from those watching on in the crowd.

Some fine performances saw Watford in first place for the majority of the gala, only to be pipped to the post by CoStA (City of St Albans) Swimming Club by just a few points.

Watford competed against 11 other clubs in the event, with defending champions Hatfield having to settle for third place.

The impressive displays in the pool enabled Watford to achieve their most successful league result for several years, with the club commending the young swimmers “for their extraordinary racing, passion and team spirit”.