YOUNGSTERS from across York made a splash at a city swimming gala.

Almost 100 children competed in the the second annual Total Leisure Swimming Scheme gala, which aims to bring out the best in the city's school children, when it was held at the Edmund Wilson Swimming Pool, in Acomb, yesterday.

Children aged five to 13, who learn to swim at York Barbican Centre, Edmund Wilson Swimming Pool and Yearsley Swimming Pool - all run by Total Leisure Management (TLM) along with Oaklands Sports Centre - competed against each other in contests designed for a range of swimming abilities.

Winners were presented with certificates and goodie bags were offered to everyone taking part.

Spokeswoman Keira Meheux said: "The gala allows all the children to meet up with each other, so it's a good social event for them.

"It's also good for the TLM staff because they get a chance to meet and it's a bit of a challenge for them.

"Also it makes the children work for something. In swimming lessons they work towards a goal, this helps them feel they have achieved something."

All participants paid a £1 entry fee which goes towards the Lord Mayor's Charities, Shopmobility York and SNAPPY.

Updated: 11:34 Monday, January 13, 2003