Ards Swimming Club hosted its 40th annual open gala at Blair Mayne Leisure Complex in Newtownards on Saturday.

Fifteen teams took part, bringing 1,300 competitors aged 7-17 to the venue.

The programme included 29 events in breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, freestyle and individual medley, each with heats and finals.

Non-competitive races were held for seven-year-olds, while swimmers aged 8-12 received commemorative teddy bears and older competitors competed for medals.

Ards Swimming Club recorded three top boys' performances and one top girl's performance, along with multiple personal bests.

Club chair Shelley Adams said the gala provides many young swimmers with their first competitive experience and forms the start of their development.

Six past and present club members, including Olympians Bethany Firth and Grace Davison, will represent Ireland at the Commonwealth Games this summer.

Ards & North Down Deputy Mayor Vicky Moore attended the event and said it helps attract visitors to local facilities and encourages young people to take up swimming.