GARNOCK Valley swimmer Rachael Grant was in top form at the West District Senior Age Group Championships at Tollcross in Glasgow.

She won six medals with a series of impressive performances in the pool.

The 15-year-old from Beith won the 100m fly before following North Ayrshire teammate Jennifer Murray home in a dominant one-two in the 400m individual medley.

It seemed as if Rachael attached to the podium by elastic all weekend as she collected a silver in the 400m free and the 200m backstroke and third places in the 100m backstroke and the 200m IM.

It was Rachael’s breaststroke which most impressed coach Jacqui Tarran, who was in charge of the team as they competed against the fastest young swimmers from across the west of Scotland.

A delighted Jacqui said: “Rachael’s made huge improvements in her stroke,” says Jacqui. “She’s been putting in a lot of hard work and it paid off with her getting a place in the 100m final. You can see the benefits when she swims IM as well, of course.

Glengarnock’s Rory Dickson collected two medals to help his team to a haul of 19.

“Rory’s 100m breaststroke was eventful! Just as he was about to get on the blocks his trunks split," Jackie recalled.

"They delayed the heat so he could run back to the changing rooms and put on a spare pair. Despite that he didn’t lose focus and qualified for the final where he improved from his 5th seeding to claim the bronze.

“It’s a lot tougher for Rory this year because he’s now in the 16 and over category which this weekend included swimmers up to the age of 25 and he was the youngest finalist.

“He went straight from swimming his 200m backstroke heat into the 100m breaststroke final and so he had to be sensible and not waste his energy for the medal race. The team spirit was great all weekend with everyone shouting each other on and encouraging each other," the coach added.