ONE of the country’s oldest swimming clubs is thriving thanks to a committee which is back up to full strength and planning for the future.

Durham City Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club, which is the second oldest swimming club in the country, now has more than 200 members, and is hoping to expand its opportunities for volunteers and training in water safety.

Chairman Mike Perry said: “The club can now boast a full committee, made up of very dedicated and hard-working volunteers.

“With some new faces alongside longstanding members, the group are making some great plans for the future.

“It’s really nice to see people coming together and working across roles for the development of the club. It is clear that everyone has the best interests of our athletes at the very front of their minds.”

The club currently has 228 members and 10 squads, a water polo team and a recently expanded academy programme to help youngsters learn how to swim.

Head coach Ben Hatchett said: “Over the last couple of years we have had many successes in both swimming and water polo sections.

“Our swimmers have won medals at all levels of competition up to and including national championships.

This has earned some members selection to county, regional and national talent camps; which are the stepping stones for international representation.”

Under Mr Hatchett’s guidance, the club is developing a high performance strategy and sport science support and is aiming to become to leading programme for competitive swimming and water polo in County Durham.

The club, which meets at Freeman’s Quay, was founded in 1861 – making it the second oldest in Britain.

For more than 70 years its home was the Durham City Baths, from their opening in 1932 to closure in 2008.