THREE of Royston Swimming Club s brightest prospects are set to make their Hertfordshire county championship debuts. Tom Shield, Sam Edney, and Tory Snowden will join the squad s annual meet at Borehamwood in March. It is a particularly proud moment for

THREE of Royston Swimming Club's brightest prospects are set to make their Hertfordshire county championship debuts.

Tom Shield, Sam Edney, and Tory Snowden will join the squad's annual meet at Borehamwood in March.

It is a particularly proud moment for Tory's family, as the young swimmer will also link up with her older brother Alex.

Tom Hallam also qualified for the championships for the first time, but has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

In 2006 Alex was one of two Royston swimmers - alongside Millie Farmer - who qualified for the annual gala.

Royston coach Tricia Dear put the increase of qualifiers down to the club's rising standards.

She said: "Membership is increasing and a lot of swimmers have made great improvements in the past 12 months.

"If Tom Hallam was fit and if Millie was still at the club, we would have had six qualifiers - three times the number we had last year.

"I'm delighted with what Tory, Sam, Alex, and the two Toms have achieved.

"We all feel terribly sorry for Tom Hallam, but he's an excellent young swimmer, and I'm sure he will qualify next year."

- YOUNG swimmers from Melbourn have taken part in a sponsored swim and raised funds for charity.

Sixty swimmers from the McSplash swimming club swam a distance of 47 miles and raised much needed money for the county's air ambulance and the club itself.

The youngsters worked extremely hard and their efforts brought in more than £500.

McSplash coach Jenny Brackley said: "The children swam their hearts out.

"It was a great day and they have helped raise a lot of money. I'm very proud.

"The money will be split between the club and the air ambulance fund.

"We wanted to support a small charity that does a lot for the community.

"The money will go a long way.