Young swimmers were determined to make a splash when they were chosen to represent Eastern England in a national primary school swimming competition.

And the team of five girls from The Abbey primary school in St Albans emerged with pride intact and an eighth place in the medley relay race in the competition for medium-sized primary schools

The national swimming competition took place in Sheffield and the quintet from Years 5 and 6 who took part were Eilidh Dunwoodie, Beth Barker, Florie Geurts, Iorwen Ellis and Jemima Samols. They were competing against state schools from across the UK and many independent schools with their own pool facilities.

Headteacher Miss Emma Fenn said “I am very proud of the girls and of how well they have worked as a team. We were thrilled that they were able to compete in the national finals. The Year 5 girls have had a wonderful experience of participating with the Year 6 girls, so that hopefully they will qualify again next year.”