A GALA hosted by Barry Beavers Disabled Swimming Club has seen the home team finish second in a keenly fought contest on Saturday, March 21.

The club, recent beneficiaries of a Barry & District News Gannett Foundation – the international company that Newsquest comes under with the Barry and District News being part of Newsquest - £1,000 grant and £750 from Dish Out Dosh, saw a number of other Wales clubs compete at Barry Leisure Centre.

The Rhondda Polar Bears emerged from the pool as winners by six points.

Those bagging medals included Abigail Finch and Jack Kemp with gold for girls and boys 25 metres.

Senior Relay gold went to Mark Eveleigh, Gareth Lloyd, Nicky Cushen and James Jones.

Silver medals went to Lucy Lynch and Callum Savory for girls and boys 25 metres.

Louis Davies won silver for the boys 50 metres and Will Griffiths for the mens.

Sarah Davies won silver for the ladies 100 metres.

Junior relay silver went to Abigail Finch, Tyler Savory, Jesse Rodgers and Courtney Rogers.

Courtney Rogers won bronze in the girls 50 metres and Ffion Jones bronze in the girls 100 metres.

Other swimmers all improved their times.

Philip Daly, John Evans, Lyndsey Johnston, Talisha Rogers, Layla Rogers, Helen Lynch, Sophie Woodham, Tracey Marchant, Matthew Lack, Robert Lynch, Kyle Siirak, Heather Williams, Joanna Davies Shannon Rogers.

Patricia Finch said: “We would like to thank Greggs and Renishaw, Vale Mayor and mayoress, Cllr Howard and Carol Hamilton, our Patrons Mr and Mrs David Jenkins High Sheriff, Alun Cairns MP and Tesco, Morrisons, Asda for their raffle prizes and Julie Doble for the catering at also all the staff at Parkwood (Barry Leisure Centre) who help our gala run smoothly. Also all who helped on the day.”

The club welcomes anyone aged from four to senior citizen with learning difficulties, asthma, sight, hearing difficulties, stroke victims to people who have physical disabilities just to name a few conditions.

For details, visit http://barrybeaversdsc.wix.com/barry-beavers