A THRIVING swimming scene in Bolton means more than 100 children, parents and teachers took the plunge in a celebration of the refurbished Sharples Health Hub.

The leisure centre had been in danger of closure but last year underwent an overhaul costing around £500,000 last year and to mark its rebirth the swim school Swims Away, which is based at Sharples, made a splash in its inaugural gala.

The youngsters, aged between three and 11 years old, participated in a total of 37 races, though two of those events were for parents and coaches to take the plunge in adults’ races.

“The gala is a first for our swim school at the Health Hub at Sharples,” said Swims Away managing director and coach Matt Hamlett.

“This was in danger of closing down and the majority of our swimming lessons are now held here so as a celebration of our success so far we decided to hold a swimming gala. We feel it was a massive success with the number of people involved, many of whom were swimming for the first time in a gala.”

Once the participants had enjoyed a fine afternoon’s competition, there was a presentation ceremony where they received their trophies and medals, and local delicacies from Carr’s Pasties.

Also attending was Terry Stott, head coach at Bolton Swimming Club, with which Swims Away has a link, making a transition to the Farnworth-based club more straightforward for members.

Terry was an invaluable source of help and advice while assessing the swimmers from the side of the pool throughout the day.

“It was all very good fun and there were a lot of personal best times recorded,” added Matt.

“Bolton Swimming Club is on an upward surge and we are proud to be associated with the club, which is on the up.”

Swims Away’s ethos is to help children who may lack confidence in the water by improving their swimming technique.

The coaches use the Amateur Swimming Association’s National Swim Plan at all their venues, the most recognised teaching plan in the country.

As well as providing young swimmers with a chance to get their first taste of competition, the gala and a charity raffle meant hundreds of pounds were donated to the Jessica Green Fund, which raises money for the Brain Tumour Charity in memory of six-year-old Jessica, a local girl who died in 2014 after a long and brave battle with a tumour.