YOUNG swimmers from across the North-East took the plunge in a quest for competition success.

About 130 youngsters, aged ten to 12, from eight clubs, including Billingham, Consett and Newcastle, took part in a gala staged by Peterlee Swimming Club, in County Durham.

Chairwoman Gill Hulme said yesterday: "It is a graded gala, and does not have top swimmers. It is for those youngsters who perhaps wouldn't get a chance in a top gala.

"For the ten-year-olds, it was their first competition of the year. For many of them, it was their first ever competition.

"It is a nice gala, a good introduction for them. It was a very enjoyable day."

The gala was sponsored by East Durham and Houghall Community College, which has launched soccer and boxing academies.

Mrs Hulme said: "They were the main sponsors, and they gave us quite a considerable amount of money. We couldn't do it without their support.

"This is the third time the college has sponsored the gala. We do very well by them."

College principal Ian Prescott said: "It is common knowledge that the college is dedicated to sports development, and swimming is no exception."