THE borough's three swimming teams secured a title hat-trick in an exciting climax to this year's Central Lancashire Junior Jubilee competition.

Ramsbottom Rascals led the way, claiming victory in the B final, while Bury and Elton won the C final and Radcliffe completed the treble in the D final.

The Rascals made it back-to-back titles, going one better after winning the C final last year, when they overcame hosts Old Royton and Crompton Amateur Swimming Club by two points.

Kieron Tattersall, who has recently made county and regional qualifying times to gain representative honours, clinched victory in the final event – the boys' cannon freestyle – to seal it.

Club spokesman Amanda Carruthers said: "Year-on-year the club has developed massively.

"We have developed a really strong crop of young swimmers, and victory in the B final just shows that progression.

"After winning the C final last year, next year's target now has to be to make it three in a row with victory in the A final."

A total of 14 teams from across the region compete in the competition, which is for children aged nine to 13.

They are placed into one of four finals, depending on the points they earn during three qualifying galas throughout the summer.

Bury and Elton, who swim at Castle Leisure Centre, had a more comfortable route to the title in the C final.

Led by team captains Tom Duxbury and Kathleen Oliver, they ended on 98 points to beat Ashton Central by 10, with Chadderton finishing third on 65.

Radcliffe's achievement in the D final was all the more extraordinary considering the local pool, in Green Street, has been closed since last May, with demolition work starting this month following a long delay.

Bury Council has pledged that a new pool and fitness complex will be built on the site within three years.

In the meantime, the club has been training and competing at a new "pop-up" pool at the former Radcliffe Riverside School in Spring Lane, as well as at Castle Leisure Centre.

The exiled team racked up 138 points to beat Howe Bridge Aces (129) and Rochdale (99) into second and third places.

Their young swimmers put in a string of fine performances in individual and relay events, winning the majority of their races.

Former Central Lancashire Swimming and Water Polo president Edith Ford presented the shield to Radcliffe team captains Leon Callaghan and Catlin Hartley.

Club spokesman Mark Evans said: "This was the last league gala of the year for Radcliffe and it was a fantastic way to close the season.

"Congratulations must be given to all the swimmers who have swam so well throughout the year.

"And the support of the swimmers' parents and Radcliffe Swimming Club helpers has ensured the season ended on a high."

There was further success for the club with a 12-10 victory for the senior men’s water polo team at Lancaster in the Bolton and District Swimming and Water Polo League.

Further information about all three clubs can be found on their websites at ramsbottomrascals.org.uk radcliffesc.co.uk and buryandelton.co.uk