A WEST FIFE swimming club are celebrating a landmark year and marked it by hosting more than 250 youngsters for an action-packed competition.

Dunfermline Amateur Swimming Club have reached their 75th anniversary and, in recognition of that feat, welcomed kids aged between 8-11 from across the country for the return of its junior sprint gala A total of 42 races were held on the day, affording many of the younger swimmers the chance to take part in competition for the first time, with medals presented for those finishing in the top three, and flashes for the those placing between fourth and sixth.

Carnegie Swimming Club and InCAS (Inverkeithing Competitive Amateur Swimmers) were represented, as were fellow Fife clubs, Glenrothes and Cupar, as well as others from as far afield as Edinburgh and the Lothians, and Dundee.

The overall winning club was Carnegie, whilst swimmers from DASC posted an incredible 43 personal bests at the event, which took place at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes.

The meet also allowed DASC, led entirely by volunteers, the opportunity to fundraise with a raffle, tombola and bake stall, with funds raised allowing the club to provide access to swimming through community-based initiatives, such as its hardship fund, as well as ongoing support for the Fife Young Carers charity, and Ukrainian refugees.

Gillian Wilson, DASC's club president, commented: "All the hard work in advance of the gala is worth it on the day to see young swimmers smiling, competing, getting PBs, and most importantly, having fun.

"Dunfermline Amateur Swimming Club pride ourselves on being a friendly and inclusive community club working to give all swimmers the opportunity to thrive in the sport. We support Fife Young Carers, as well as Ukranian refugees, and the fundraising element of our 75th sprint gala will ensure we can continue this vital community engagement, as well as support our swimmers' families with hardship policies and our swimmers with various social engagements and Christmas gift.

"I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to every person who helped to run the event on the day and the team of volunteers, technical officials, and families who gave up their time to ensure success."

Dunfermline-based auctioneers, Bowler and Binnie, also donated commemorative tops that were presented to each of the club's swimmers in celebration of the 75th anniversary.

The overall winners in each age category were: Eight years old - Elise Burel (Glenrothes) and Philip Wiacek (Cupar); nine years old - Eilidh Moss (DASC) and Murray Robertson (Heart of Midlothian); 10 years old - Elie Thornton (Carnegie) and Guy Johnstoin (Heart of Midlothian); 11 years old - Olivia Bowler (DASC) and Zachary Dormer (Falkirk Otters).