With this year's County Championships taking place in Newmarket while work is done at Ipswich pool, the qualifying times needed to take part were harder than ever. However, a squad of 17 Beccles swimmers – more than expected – will be taking part in the event, over two weekends in March.

All the more rewarding is the greater number of junior swimmers gaining times and taking part, showing hard work by the committee and teachers to build up the junior squad is paying off.

Having visited Newmarket four times last year, one of which involved the club winning the Development County Championships, the hope is that the pool, which seems to be a happy hunting ground for the club, will pay off again with a handful of swimmers looking to extend their success with regional times.

The club is also looking for sponsorship to help in its continued development, ranging from a new club sponsor to trophy and gala sponsors. If you are interested in backing your local club, please email tim.kingfishers@hotmail.com