THEY start them early at the Guernsey Swimming Club’s Puffin Gala. It is for swimmers up to about 9 years of age, starting with the very youngest at the club.

‘In a complex programme, young swimmers are encouraged to have a go, with many either competing in any event or having their first-ever race in the large pool over 25 metres. There are also float races as a further option for small-pool swimmers,’ said the club’s Derek Laine.

‘It’s not surprising, therefore, that rising stars may be discovered in this gala.’

Poppy Barker, eight, showed that she may well fall into that category with two convincing wins in the eight-years-and-over girls’ 25m freestyle and backstroke.

Five-year-old Jacob Hall won the five-and-under boys’ 10m freestyle and backstroke and the last event of the day, the 25m freestyle for small-pool swimmers at his first attempt at competition over this distance.

In the closest race of the day, the seven-year-old girls’ 25m freestyle, Courtney Chapman finished fast to touch out Leah Winberg by 0.06sec., with the rest of the field not far behind.

A stylish Alexander Batiste put big margins between him and his nearest rivals in both the seven-year-old boys’ 25m freestyle and backstroke.

Although Allyssa Hale was given two walkovers in the seven-and-over girls’ 10m events, her performances were excellent. This was further demonstrated when she competed in the big pool and won the 25m race for small-pool swimmers, in which she was clear of the rest of the field by 20 seconds.

In the six-year-olds’ category, Louis Falla and Shannon Gavet were dominant. Jack Willis, Sarah Latham and Shauna Aslett shared all other available honours in this age group.