THE first block of the Gloucester County Championships held at Kingswood Leisure Centre in Bristol saw a 12-medal haul for Hereford Swimming Club with two swimmers, Jessica Rogers and Otto Putland, bringing home two gold medals each.

Eleven-year-old Jessica and Otto, 10, each swam to victory in personal best times in the 200 freestyle and the 200 individual medley events in their respective age groups.

Patrick Meggitt followed up his fine 1500m freestyle swim at Western Counties by taking the gold medal in the 15-years age group in yet another personal best time of 16-56.92.

Lizzie Mason, 10, was also in great form, collecting the gold medal for her 200 individual medley (3-07.92) and bronze for the 200 freestyle, again following the trend with both swims being personal best times.

The final gold medal came at the end of the session for Philippa Davies in the 800m freestyle, winning her 19-years age group in record time and also picking up the senior ladies' championship trophy in this event.

Alex MacDougal, 14, kept the medals coming in the long distance events by taking silver in the 1500m freestyle in his age group, while Oliver Bufton, 12, also took silver in the 800m freestyle. He completed his personal hat trick by bringing home bronze medals for his 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley swims.

Nine-year-old Joshua Darby swam an excellent personal best time in the 200 freestyle to touch in bronze position, only to be denied a medal because he was swimming in a 10-years.

Other results: Jon Pugh (14 yrs) fourth 200 freestyle, Dave Wright (14) fifth 1500 freestyle, Laura Hudson (10) fifth 200 freestyle, seventh 200 individual medley, Sam Jones (14) sixth 1500 freestyle, Tobi Razi (11) eighth 200 freestyle, Rebecca Phillips (12) eighth 200 individual medley.

Fran Nunn and Tobi Razi recorded personal best times in both their 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley events.

With Hereford swimmers pushing themselves to 22 personal best times from 24 events, coach Richard Blackshaw can be well satisfied with the performance and is looking forward to the club's participation in future Gloucester County Championship competitions in February and March.