SWIMMERS representing Cheshire Penguins, based in Northwich, have collected medals at galas across the country since the start of 2016.

They even did so at two different Special Olympics GB galas on the same day, at Redditch and in Yeovil.

“It’s the first time we’ve done that,” said coach Chris Gourdji.

“It made for an action-packed weekend, but we enjoyed it!”

In total, Penguins swimmers collected more than 30 gold medals, 20 silver and eight bronze between them across both events.

The following week they took part in another gala, this time in Sunderland, and returned with 28 gold, 19 silver and six bronze gongs.

Gourdji added: “It was an early start to get there in time, but swimmers are used to that by now.”

The Penguins, who provide opportunities to compete for swimmers with learning difficulties, train at Sir John Deane’s College.

They have one eye already on next year's Special Olympics GB National Summer Games in Sheffield.