Christchurch Seagulls Swimming Club members Wendy Bates, Anita Whittle, Ellie Pearson and Viv Jones enjoy success at the British National Short Course Championships

Four Christchurch Seagulls Swimming Club members took part in the British National Short Course Championships.

The event, one of the most prestigious on the calendar, was held at Ponds Forge Pool in Sheffield.

Former channel swimmer Wendy Bates was first in the water, setting a high bar with fourth place in her 800m event.

Anita Whittle had a brilliant weekend, securing a bronze medal in a closely-contested 100m race with a new personal best time and also setting a new best time in her 200m event, finishing a creditable fourth.

Masters co-ordinator Ellie Pearson had five events over the weekend, showing great form to equal her best time in the 50m breaststroke and setting a new personal best in the 50m freestyle.

Pearson also showed great form in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke, and swam an impressive 100m freestyle.

Having broken two British Masters records last month, Viv Jones concluded an amazing year of swimming, winning the gold medal in all four of her freestyle events, the 50m,100m, 200m and 400m.

Many of the Seagulls Masters will be joining forces with other clubs within the county, representing Dorset at the forthcoming Inter-Counties meet at Millfield.

Anyone thinking of improving their swimming are assured a friendly welcome and trial session at Seagulls. Information can be found on their website at https://uk.gomotionapp.com/