Norfolk-based Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate was the special guest as disabled swimmers took part in a 'wonderful' gala.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association's 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centres swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association's 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centres swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

The Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre's swimming pool with Lowestoft Lions sponsoring the medals and certificates as they also assisted with running the event

The Suffolk Swimability Gala was open to any young swimmer with a disability – physical, sensory or learning.

Eastern Daily Press: The Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesThe Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

It attracted swimmers from across the region to compete – with 46 swimmers from Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, Hadleigh, Colchester Phoenix, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, Runnymede, St Felix, Sentinel, Stowmarket and Team Ipswich Swimming Clubs all attending the gala.

With the event organised by Ann Byrne, the Suffolk ASA Disability Liaison Officer, organisers were delighted as Paralympic swimmer Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE was the special guest for the gala.

Eastern Daily Press: The Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesThe Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Jessica-Jane was greeted with enthusiasm by the swimmers as she posed for selfies and signed autographs.

Lowestoft's deputy mayor, Peter Knight, and his wife Marina and Lions President Derek Ward presented all the swimmers with medals and certificates.

Eastern Daily Press: The Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesThe Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Three swimmers from Great Yarmouth and Waveney Special Olympians Swimming Club took the top awards on the night.

William McNulty won best male trophy with Elsie McNulty taking the best female award. Dawson Page won the Lions trophy for effort and enthusiasm, while a special award was also presented to Gracie Winney by the Sentinel team.

Eastern Daily Press: The Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centres swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesThe Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centres swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

At the presentation ceremony Mr Ward said: 'There was a lovely friendly atmosphere between all the swimmers but also some fierce competition with several achieving personal best times.

'It has been a wonderful night made extra special by seeing the courage and determination of all the swimmers taking part.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick HowesThe Suffolk County Amateur Swimming Association held the 16th annual Suffolk Swimability meeting at Waterlane Leisure Centre’s swimming pool in Lowestoft. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)