A packed house at the Hythe South Road Pool saw over 100+ youngsters from local primary schools take part in the bi-annual Hythe Festival Novices Gala on the hottest day of the year.  The event sponsored by British Energy, Shepway District Council and Guy Holloway Architects included events for all primary age groups from Year 3& under to Year 6.  Medals were presented by Hythe Aqua Club President Eddie Willis to the first three in year group and glass trophies were awarded by the sponsors  to the top three schools.

The participating schools included: Lyminge, Lympne, St Augustine’s, Saltwood, Hythe Bay, Bodsham,  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 a swimming skills workshop and a synchronised swimming demonstration.

The  top schools competition was very close with St Augustines’s taking the top slot by just one point with Sandgate Primary in  2nd place and Hythe Bay in 3rd place.

The individual gold medal winners were:
Year 3 Brianne Begley - Sandgate
Year 3 Ross Johnstone - Bodsham
Year 4 Hannah McMahon - Sandgate
Year 4 Hunter Evans-Reid - Sandgate
Year 5 Elise Bailey – St Augustines
Year 5 Adam Lowe – St Augustines
Year 6 Ella Hemming – St Augustines
Year 6 James Short – Hythe Bay

Hythe Aqua also awarded one months free coaching to many of the medal winners. Other swimmers taking part in the event can also attend a water test at Hythe Pool at 6.00pm on Thursday evenings