YOUNG swimmers took the plunge at a national competition and returned with a clutch of medals.

Members of Inverclyde Amateur Swimming Club attended the Scottish National Age Group Championships at Aberdeen Sports Village.

A total of 13 swimmers took part in 54 individual events and five relay races during the five-day event.

The team brought home seven medals – including two golds.

Greenock Telegraph: Blake Herdman and Abi McAnerneyBlake Herdman and Abi McAnerney (Image: Inverclyde ASC)

Blake Herdman, 14, secured the bronze medal spot in the 200-metre backstroke competition.

The remainder of Inverclyde ASC’s medals were won by 15-year-old Abi McAnerney, who took home two gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

Many of the other youngsters who travelled to the competition set new personal bests in a range of events.

Club president Claire McArthur said: “It was a tough competition. It always is at the nationals.

Greenock Telegraph:

“You’ve got people from all over the world – so we were delighted with all of them. As a team, they just supported each other and pushed each other on. They were all amazing and great ambassadors for the club."

The club has a busy few months ahead with training and competitions, and will return to Aberdeen in July for another Scottish meet.

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They are also gearing up for a fundraising challenge to help pay for a vital pool upgrade.

Members will collectively swim 696 miles – the distance between the Waterfront Pool in Greenock and the Parisian venue for this year’s Olympic swimming events.

The club is aiming to secure £12,000 for new diving blocks. They hope to raise £6,000 in donations, with Inverclyde Leisure matching this figure.

To donate to the fundraiser, go to justgiving.com