With Central Pool in tip-top shape thanks to the efforts of the Reading Sport and Leisure team, the Evening Post-sponsored Reading Swimming Club hosted the annual showpiece Easter Open from Friday through to Sunday.

Almost 300 swimmers from more than 50 clubs took part. Kent's Dover Lifeguard, Black Lion and Tunbridge Wells sent big contingents and individual entries came from as far afield as Huntingdon and Bridgnorth, as well as more regular visitors to the capital of the Thames Valley from clubs in the Berks and South Bucks county association.

Home team highlights included a first ever national qualifying time for Reading's top boy in the youngest age group, some huge PBs from developing swimmers and a clean sweep of the medals in the ladies' 200 backstroke.

Jean Hulbert of Reading Royals Synchro, this year's Berks and South Bucks County president, and Alan Porton of the Evening Post presented medals after some thrilling finals, and the officiating team was headed by top-flight FINA referee Roger Prior.

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