JORDAN Gaskell claimed a coveted title as Winsford Swim Team members collected nine medals at the North West Summer Championships.

After setting the fifth fastest time during qualifying earlier in the day, the 18-year-old took gold in the over 17s boys’ 100m butterfly final in 57.27s.

He added bronze for the same stroke over 200m.

“To win a medal is exceptional,” said head coach Dan Goodwin.

“Our region is a hotbed of talent, with many swimmers ranked high up in the national rankings.

“Only a small percentage of club swimmers satisfy tough entry criteria, and to make a final takes some doing.

“That puts into perspective what Winsford’s swimmers continue to achieve in the pool.”

More than two dozen teenagers represented the club over two days at Manchester Aquatic Centre, and 11 of those classified inside the top eight in their category at least once.

Ethan Jones shared second spot in the under 15s boys’ 50m backstroke after a dead heat, then took a pair of bronze medals for the same stroke over 100m and 200m.

Winsford’s Finn Armitt was second in the under 15s boys’ 200m butterfly, while Ryan Wheeler classified third in the same category over 100m and 50m.

Armitt and Wheeler joined forces with Henry Oliver and Jay Cushen to win a bronze gong in the under 15s boys’ 4x200m freestyle relay.

Goodwin said: “It takes a lot of stamina to perform to a high standard over a long weekend.

“The races were spread over four sessions and, with finals added to the mix, many of our swimmers raced more than once using different strokes – and over different distances – with little rest.

“Not only that, the relay swims demonstrated our team spirit which I believe is second to none.”

Adam Blackshaw, Alissa Blackshaw, Izzy Burton, Will Murray, Henry Oliver, Millie Riddick, Georgia Williams and Josh Wilson were the other swimmers to finish inside the top eight.

The North West Summer Championships continue later this month at the same venue.