SWIMMERS from Chester Academy enjoyed a gold rush at the British Gas ASA National Masters Championships in Sheffield.

A total of seven national titles were claimed by the multi-sports club, three of them across three age groups in the 1,500m event by Clive Roberts (45-49yrs), Chris Malpass (30-34yrs) and Craig Prime (25-29yrs).

Two further gold medals were won by Malpass in the 200m butterfly and 800m freestyle, and by Roberts in the 400m and 800m freestyle.

Les Church, who also represents Chester Academy, joined the team to win silver in the 4 x 200m relay event and won an individual silver medal in the 200m backstroke (40-44yrs).

The annual championships, held at Pond’s Forge, saw 1,121 competitors from 245 clubs across Britain compete in 49 events in the toughest swimming meet of its kind in the country.

Craig Prime, one of the coaches at Chester Academy, said: “These results are the culmination of commitment and hard work from the coaches, the individuals and the team here at Chester Academy.

“We’ve shown the quality of support, training and talent that we have at the club and are delighted to have put Chester on the map, once again, for swimming ability in the UK.”

Chester Academy trains at the University of Chester swimming pool and welcomes swimmers of all ages and abilities. For further information visit www.chesteracademy.co.uk.