MEMBERS of Herne Bay Swimming Club had cause for celebration after clinching the North Kent Junior League Division 2 title at the weekend. Herne Bay won each of the three rounds of the championship to hold off the challenge of highly competitive Kent club's like Whitehearts, Black Lion, Orpington and Ojays.

To secure the title, Bay swimmer's swept to 29 top-two finishes in the 47 events with pride of place going to 13-year-old Chris Terry, who recorded a club record 1.11.63 in the 100metre breaststroke. Conor Rourke also clocked a club record 38.84 seconds for the 50m butterfly, one of 18 personal bests at the third and final gala.

As a mark of their consistency, Bay recorded 715 points over the three rounds to finish 125 clear of their nearest rivals from the Black Lion in Gillingham. The victory also assures Herne Bay of a place in Division 1 next season for the first time in the club's 50-year history.

As if to verify the club's continued progress, Kent have selected James Birnage, Charles Crayford, Daniel Jacobs, Kirsty Sykes and Chris Terry to represent the county at this Saturday's inter-counties gala in Southampton. Club coach David Whorlow said: "All the swimmers deserve recognition for their commitment and dedication and for training hard and supporting each other. This win completes a memorable 50th year for the club."

McDonald's on Sturry Road supported the gala and hosted a celebratory meal for Bay members' soon after the meeting.