A packed house at the Hythe South Road Pool saw over 150 youngsters from local primary schools take part in the bi-annual Hythe Festival Novices Gala.  The event sponsored by British Energy included events for all primary age groups from Year 3 to Year 6.  Medals were presented to the first three in year group and glass trophies were awarded  to the top three schools.

The participating schools included: Lyminge, Lympne, St Augustine’s, Saltwood, Seabrook, Stowting, Brookland and Sandgate Primary Schools. There was a great atmosphere at the pool as the youngsters battled out the medal positions in their individual races.  Hythe Aqua organised the event and provided all the technical officials. The swimming gala was followed by taster session for water polo and a synchronised swimming demonstration..

The  top schools competition was very close with Sandgate School taking  the top slot, Lympne in  2nd place and in 3rd place was Stowting.

Councillor Carole Waters the Shepway District Council Cabinet Member for Sport presented the medals to the winning swimmers.

The individual gold medal winners were:
Year 3 Girls  Hannah Wain  - Stowting
Year 3 Boys David Gunn  - Lympne
Year 4 Girls Annabelle Donald -  Sandgate
Year 4 Boys Lewis Gerry  - Sandgate
Year 5 Girls Sophie Wren - Lyminge
Year 5 Boys Jonathan Stewart - Stowting
Year 6 Girls Charlotte Ellis - Saltwood
Year 6 Boys William Nundy - Lympne