IT'S been a tough start to the season for Ruthin Rays Swimming Club, with the sudden and devastating loss of their head coach Chris Clements and the on-going refurbishment of the pool leaving them homeless.

Team spirit has prevailed, though, and with the support of Corwen and Denbigh swimming clubs, training has continued.

January saw the re-opening of a much brighter and modern looking pool, and with the appointment of new head coach Andrea Harvey, the Rays' positive attitude has shone through.

The British Summer Championship, held in Tollcross, Glasgow, is the premier event in Britain.

Rhodri Williams qualified for the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

With heats held in the morning, Rhodri had the most amazing experience competing in the same heat as Adam Peaty for the 100m breaststroke.

He qualified for both the 100m and 50m junior finals and he left at the end of the week as the British junior 50m breaststroke champion.

The Swim Wales long course championships take place in Swansea in the 50m pool.

Against top swimmers from across the UK, Millie Hannant proudly represented the Rays and had the most amazing swims over the Easter break, with seven personal best times.

She was placed third in four events - the 50m breaststroke, 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and 800m freestyle.

Each year, the Denbighshire development team (Corwen, Denbigh, Rhyl and Ruthin swimming clubs) join forces to run their gala.

This year it was named the DDT Chris Clements Memorial in memory of the Ruthin head coach.

A great number of swimmers took part, with the highlights being personal bests for Gabby Bailey, Holly Bunn, Maddie Bunn, Satvik Chabra, Dylan Cookson, Daniel Jones, Meirion Jones, Saffie Mehra, Gruffudd Price, Anna Roberts and Llio Thomas.

There were first place finishes for Will Grant, Ando Hannant, Millie Hannant and Rhodri Williams.

Among her eight personal bests, Millie won no fewer than eight races.

There were second place finishes for Jessica Hilton-Jones and Amelia Lloyd, with Simone Lau and Katie Parton finishing third in races.